An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court on Friday ordered the remand of a 29-year-old social media influencer, Ghali Isma’il, at the Keffi Correctional Centre for allegedly publishing false information about the health status of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
Isma’il, a resident of Jogana village in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, was arraigned on a two-count charge of “publication of false news” and “inciting disaffection against the government.”
According to court filings, the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Isma’il after he posted a video on his verified TikTok account, @bola_asiwaju, falsely claiming that President Tinubu had died from poisoning. Prosecutors said the video, which went viral, was aimed at causing public alarm and undermining confidence in the presidency.
The first charge, “Publication of False News with Intent to Cause Offence Against Public Peace,” stated that Isma’il “falsely claimed he reliably confirmed from official sources that President Tinubu was critically ill, having been poisoned through his meal,” in a manner calculated to disturb public peace. The offence is punishable under Section 418 of the Penal Code Act.
The second count accused him of “inciting disaffection against the government,” contrary to Section 416 of the same law.
Presiding Magistrate Ekpeyong Iyang denied bail and ordered that Isma’il be remanded in Keffi Correctional Centre until the next hearing, scheduled for August 19, 2025.
Isma’il’s arraignment adds to a recent trend of social media users and commentators facing legal consequences for politically charged online statements. Just this week, Nigerian-American journalism professor Farooq Kperogi publicly apologised after falsely alleging a divorce between former President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha Buhari.
Meanwhile, in Finland, prosecutors are seeking a six-year sentence against Biafran separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, who is facing terrorism-related charges over inflammatory online content. Ekpa, however, claims his posts were merely for “content” purposes.
Similarly, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), told a Federal High Court in Abuja last week that his own online broadcasts linked by authorities to violent unrest were intended as jokes, not incitement.
“Order Your Copy Now” — Basil Momodu, Esq. Unveils Second Edition Of His Book, "Civil Procedure In Nigeria"
According to the learned author, Basil Momodu Esq. "Law review is a continuum. We will continue to track changes in the law to enrich future editions." Recommended Booksellers: Lagos: 08033855230, Abuja: 08035991379, and others.
_______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
As an added bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE ebook titled: “AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion: A Research Guide.”
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
