By Bala Dauda Damaturu
The Police Command in Yobe has denied an online media report, alleging that it arrested and detained a journalist operating in the state.
The Command’s Spokesman, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, made the rebuttal in a statement in Damaturu.
He said the medium’s report titled : “ Journalist Alleges Police Arrest, Detention After Accusing Yobe Microfinance Bank MD of Having Romantic Affair With His Wife” was mischievous and misleading.
Abdulkarim, however, said the police obtained and executed a warrant of arrest against a Facebook account holder, Mr Nura Distin, who was charged before a magistrates’ court, Damaturu, over allegations of criminal defamation, intentional insult and cyber bullying.
“ On 29 June 2026, at about 2:00 hours, the Command received a written petition from the Managing Director of Yobe State Microfinance Bank, Mr. Sheriff Almuhajir, through his solicitor, S. M. Abdullahi, Esq., of B. B. Bale & Co. Chambers, Damaturu.
“ The petition alleged offences bordering on criminal defamation, intentional insult, and cyberbullying, contrary to the relevant provisions of the Penal Code and the Cybercrime Act.
“ The suspect was subsequently charged before the Chief Magistrate Court, Damaturu, which ordered his remand at the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the next adjourned date,” the Spokesman said.
He said investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly used his Facebook account to publish statements considered defamatory and insulting against the complainant.
“ Contrary to the narrative presented in the publication, Mr Nura Distin never logged any formal complaint with the police or any government authority regarding the allegation he made against the complainant, including claims of an alleged romantic relationship with his wife. Those claims only surfaced as part of his defence during the investigation.
“ These publications were recovered and documented as exhibits during the investigation, and the suspect did not deny ownership of the account or the publications,” Abdulkarim said.
The spokesman emphasised that the police acted strictly within the ambit of the law and “ without prejudice or bias towards any of the parties involved.”
“ As the matter is now sub judice, the Command will refrain from making further comments and urges members of the public to allow the court to determine the case based on the evidence before it.
“ The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights of all citizens, and carrying out its constitutional responsibilities professionally, fairly, and impartially,” he said.