A 29-year-old social media influencer, Ghali Ismail, has been remanded in the Keffi Correctional Centre by an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly spreading false information about the health of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ismail was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) after he posted a series of videos on TikTok via his handle @bolaasiwaju, claiming the president had died following a suspected poisoning.
The defendant was arraigned on a two count charge bordering on the publication of false news intended to cause public alarm and inciting disaffection against the government.
According to the first count, Ismail is accused of publishing a video on or about July 20, 2025, in which he alleged, purportedly based on “official sources,” that the president was critically ill and had died from food poisoning.
Prosecutors argue the post was intended to stir public unrest and violate Section 418 of the Penal Code Act.
The second count accused the defendant of attempting to provoke discontent and contempt toward the government, contrary to Section 416 of the Penal Code.
Presiding Magistrate Ekpeyong Iyang denied the defendant’s bail application and ordered his remand at Keffi Correctional Centre.
The case was adjourned until August 19, 2025, for further hearing.
Ismail’s arraignment followed increased scrutiny of online content creators accused of disseminating false and inflammatory information.
The development comes days after Farooq Kperogi, a journalism professor at Kennesaw State University, United States, issued a public apology over a false report he earlier shared about the alleged divorce between former President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha.
In related developments, Simon Ekpa, a selfproclaimed Biafran separatist, is currently on trial in Finland over terrorism related charges linked to his online activities.
Finnish prosecutors are seeking a six year prison term, arguing that his broadcasts, though labelled “content” by Ekpa, amount to incitement and coordination of violence.
Meanwhile, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), appeared before a Federal High Court in Abuja last week.
Kanu dismissed allegations that his online messages triggered violent unrest, claiming his remarks were made in jest.
