The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Ishaq Muhammed, a defendant in a cyberbullying case against Senator Shehu Umar. The order was made by Justice Rita Offili-Ajumogobia after Muhammed failed to appear in court for the trial. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/526/2025, involves allegations of defamation and cybercrime against Muhammed, lawyer Ahmed Abdulrahman, and three others.
The trial, prosecuted by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), had all defendants present in court except Muhammed. His absence, coupled with a lack of legal representation, prompted the AGF's counsel, David Kaswe, to move an application for the revocation of bail for the first and third defendants, Abdulrahman and Muhammed. Kaswe argued that Abdulrahman, despite being granted bail, continued to post defamatory messages against Senator Umar.
Justice Offili-Ajumogobia asked Kaswe to provide evidence for the allegations, and he presented video clips from Abdulrahman's TikTok account. The judge directed Kaswe to submit a formal application with the evidence. When moving the application for Muhammed's arrest warrant, Kaswe cited Section 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, stating that Muhammed's non-appearance demonstrated disrespect for the court and aimed to stall the trial.
Kaswe emphasized that the purpose of bail is a social contract for a defendant to be available during the trial and have adequate time to defend himself. The non-appearance of Muhammed was seen as an attempt to frustrate the prosecution's case. The judge subsequently ordered Muhammed's arrest and adjourned the matter until November 3 for the continuation of the trial.
The case involves five defendants: Ahmed Abdulrahman, Daure David, Ishaq Muhammed, Abdulrashid Musa, and Nasir Abubakar. They are accused of defamation, cybercrime, and other related offenses. The prosecution witness was present in court, ready to proceed with the trial pending the execution of the bench warrant against Muhammed.
The judge's decision highlights the court's commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that defendants respect the judicial process. The case has been adjourned until November 3, when the trial is expected to continue. The execution of the bench warrant against Muhammed will be a crucial step in moving the trial forward.
The trial's progression will be closely watched, given the allegations of cyberbullying and defamation against a sitting senator. The court's handling of the case may set a precedent for similar cases in the future. Key developments will likely emerge as the trial resumes on November 3.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of Ishaq Muhammed for his absence in a cyberbullying trial against Senator Shehu Umar.
- The trial involves allegations of defamation and cybercrime against Muhammed, lawyer Ahmed Abdulrahman, and three others.
- The case has been adjourned until November 3 for the continuation of the trial, pending the execution of the bench warrant against Muhammed.
