Abuja Court Remands Social Media Influencer for False Claims About President Tinubu’s Death
An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of 29-year-old social media influencer Ghali Isma’il at Keffi Correctional Centre for posting videos falsely alleging that President Bola Tinubu had died following a critical illness.
According to TVC, Isma’il, a native of Jogana village in Gezawa LGA, Kano State, was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) days after sharing the claims on his verified TikTok account, @bola_asiwaju.
Isma’il faces a two-count charge for spreading false information and inciting public disaffection. The first count alleges that on or about July 20, 2025, he falsely claimed in a video that President Tinubu was critically ill and poisoned, asserting confirmation from official sources, violating Section 418 of the Penal Code Act, Cap P3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The second count accuses him of attempting to incite public contempt against the president through deliberate falsehoods, an offense under Section 416 of the Penal Code.
Presiding Magistrate Ekpeyong Iyang rejected Isma’il’s bail application and ordered his remand pending further proceedings. The case is adjourned to August 19, 2025.
