A media activist, Abdulkarim Allanana, also known as Oscar Keana, has been transferred from the Lafia Custodial Centre to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Nasarawa State. This transfer occurred following his arraignment by the State Security Service over alleged false information concerning Governor Abdullahi Sule. According to sources, the Nigerian Correctional Service directed the transfer on Tuesday.
Mr Allanana, chairman of the Indigenous People of Nasarawa State, was arraigned by the SSS over a two-count charge bordering on alleged false information. The charges stem from a petition submitted by Governor Sule through the Abuja-based law firm, Legal Logic, on 20 September. The petition accused Mr Allanana of making grave, malicious, reckless and unsubstantiated allegations against the governor in social media broadcasts.
The allegations cited in the petition include claims that Governor Sule directed his supporters to back former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the 2023 presidential primary election, allegedly against the interests of the APC. Mr Allanana also allegedly linked Governor Sule to the liquidation of the African Petroleum Group of Companies and made claims concerning the governor’s political support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general elections.
The Federal High Court in Lafia ordered that Mr Allanana be remanded in custody following his arraignment. The court has adjourned the case until 26 November for the hearing of his bail application. The activist’s continued detention and subsequent transfer have drawn concerns from some individuals who say the case raises questions about freedom of expression and the protection of civic space.
A source familiar with the matter urged rights groups and other advocates of civil liberties to pay attention to the case. The source emphasized that Mr Allanana’s case deserves attention from those who consistently advocate for freedom of expression, due process and the protection of civic space. The SSS proceeded with the case and arraigned Mr Allanana before the Federal High Court despite his retraction of some of the statements.
The petition also reportedly cited online videos in which Mr Allanana allegedly made offensive comments concerning members of the governor’s family. These comments included remarks relating to a DNA test involving the governor’s daughter. Governor Sule considered the allegations false and damaging, arguing that they were capable of exposing him and his office to public hatred, ridicule, contempt and disrepute.
Mr Allanana remains in custody pending the hearing of his bail application on 26 November. His transfer to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Nasarawa State has sparked concerns about his detention and the implications for freedom of expression in Nigeria.
Key points
- The case has raised concerns about freedom of expression and the protection of civic space in Nigeria.
- Mr Allanana is facing a two-count charge bordering on alleged false information concerning Governor Abdullahi Sule.
- The court has adjourned the case until 26 November for the hearing of Mr Allanana’s bail application.
