Due process followed in Abdulhamid’s arrest, detention – Kogi govt

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Kogi State Government has clarified that the arrest and detention of Abdulhamid Deflowerboy, a suspect accused of defamation, followed due process.

In a press statement on Friday signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government stated that Abdulhamid was lawfully invited by security agencies following a petition against a “clearly defamatory” publication authored by him against the State Government.

According to Fanwo, the suspect voluntarily honoured the police invitation, confessed to authoring the false publication, and was subsequently arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction which ordered his remand.

The Commissioner noted that contrary to claims on social media, Abdulhamid is not being detained illegally but is facing prosecution in line with Nigeria’s laws on defamation.

“Defamation is a criminal offense in Nigeria, not an expression of free speech,” the statement read.

“It has the potential to destroy reputations built over decades and plunge innocent individuals into disrepute. Sadly, Abdulhamid allowed himself to be used by disgruntled political elements who are yet to come to terms with the fact that the era of politics of patronage is over in Kogi State.”

The government expressed displeasure in the activities of some unnamed political actors who are alleged to be sponsoring misinformation in a bid to undermine the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whom it said has earned the people’s trust through “massive investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, power, and civil service welfare.”

Restating its commitment to youth empowerment through ICT, enterprise, and education, the government expressed disappointment that some young people still allow themselves to be exploited by desperate politicians.

Fanwo while drawing analogy with a previous case involving political activist Austin Okai, who was forgiven only after he publicly apologised for similar actions.

He added, “Justice must never be based on ethnic considerations. To ask that Abdulhamid be released because he shares ethnic ties with the Governor is to insult the principles of fairness and equality before the law. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.”

He urged young people to learn from Abdulhamid’s case, stressing that those who incite the youths to do the wrong things rarely show up to defend their pawns when the law takes its course.

The government assured the public that the case will follow due process and urged the media to verify facts and avoid sensationalism in reporting issues that border on legal and reputational matters.

“We’ve chosen to speak out in order to clarify the facts and ensure that members of the public are not misled into defending wrongdoing out of ignorance or emotion. When you make wild allegations against the State Government, be prepared to defend them because others also have the right to defend their integrity.” Fanwo added.