Nasarawa-based media activist Oscar Keana, also known as Abdulkarim Allanana, has been transferred from the Lafia Custodial Centre to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Nasarawa. The transfer was made on Tuesday morning following a directive from the Nigerian Correctional Service. Allanana, Chairman of the Indigenous People of Nasarawa State (IPNAS), was moved after being remanded in custody by the Federal High Court in Lafia. His transfer comes after his arraignment by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged false publications concerning Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Allanana is facing a two-count charge bordering on alleged false information. The Federal High Court in Lafia subsequently adjourned proceedings to November 26 for hearing of his bail application. A source close to the matter revealed that concerns had been raised over the activist's continued detention following his transfer to the Nasarawa custodial facility. The source also alleged that authorities may file additional charges against Allanana, potentially prolonging his detention.
Governor Sule had petitioned the DSS against Allanana through the Abuja-based law firm Legal Logic in a petition dated September 20, 2026. In the petition, the governor accused the activist of making grave, malicious, reckless and unsubstantiated allegations against him through social media broadcasts. The allegations include claims that Sule directed his supporters to back former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the 2023 general election primaries.
The petition also cited allegations that Sule was involved in the liquidation of the African Petroleum (AP) Group of Companies. Allanana had also made allegations concerning the governor's support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections. Governor Sule described the allegations as false and damaging, alleging that they were intended to expose him and his office to public hatred, ridicule, contempt and disrepute.
The petition referred to separate online videos in which Allanana allegedly made offensive comments concerning members of the governor's family. These included remarks relating to a DNA test involving the governor's daughter. Although Allanana subsequently retracted some of the statements, the DSS proceeded with the case and arraigned him.
The activist's detention has raised concerns among persons who have called for greater protection of freedom of expression and civic space. A source who brought the matter to SaharaReporters urged attention to Allanana's case, describing him as a media activist who had been detained following the governor's petition and subsequently charged before the Federal High Court.
The case has sparked debate about the limits of free speech and the role of activists in holding public officials accountable. As Allanana's case continues, many are watching to see how it will unfold and what implications it may have for freedom of expression in Nigeria. The court's decision on his bail application will be crucial in determining his fate.
Key points
- The activist's transfer to a medium-security prison comes after his arraignment by the DSS over alleged false publications concerning Governor Abdullahi Sule.
- Allanana is facing a two-count charge bordering on alleged false information.
- The case has sparked debate about the limits of free speech and the role of activists in holding public officials accountable.
