The Department of State Security (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned a man accused of creating a video of a fake wedding between President Muhammadu Buhari and the minister of humanitarian affairs, Hajiya Sadiya Faruk.
The man, identified as Kabiru Mohammed, was arraigned before Magistrate Court 72, Nomansland, Kano state. He faces three years behind bars if found guilty. He is charged with contravening sections 392 and 393 of the Kano Penal Code: defamation and injurious falsehood.
The DSS counsel, I.B. Bulus, argued for his remand in DSS custody. According to him, Mohammed’s actions tarnished the image of the parties involved and caused them injury. Moreover, his remand will give the DSS a chance to conclude its investigation.
This was countered by counsel for the defence, Moses Edema. Edema argued that the “alleged offence is a bailable offence”.
“In the case of TOP vs Dan Agudi, it was ruled that once the defendant is brought to court, the matter is ripe for hearing and not for further investigation,” he added.
The presiding judge, Aminu Gabari, set bail at N1m with two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be either the chairman or secretary of the Singer Market Association and the other a civil servant on Grade Level 14. He also asked the defendant to report to the DSS office from 8am to 2pm (Monday to Friday) and 9am to 2pm on weekends.
The case was thereafter adjourned till February 5, 2020.
The story of a purported wedding between the president and his cabinet minister gained traction on social media. It spawned many jokes and then surprise as the presidency looked to be finding it difficult to deny it. The alleged cutting off the first lady further added fuel to the speculations.
All parties involved denied the claims. According to a source, the DSS was asked to wade in and find the mind(s) behind the story. This led to the eventual arrest of Kabiru Mohammed.
