A 76-year-old man, Bala Mohammed, was arraigned before a court in Bauchi on Thursday, facing charges of defamation for allegedly posting pictures of women on Facebook and claiming they were his girlfriends.
The accused, a resident of Tambari Housing Estate, has been charged with defamation of character after he posted pictures of several women on his social media account.
According to the prosecutor, ASP Zakari Mohammed, the defendant’s actions occurred in October 2024 when he posted images of the women, falsely claiming they were in relationships with him.
The prosecutor further explained that the posts implied the women were his lovers, with whom he had sexual affairs.
However, one of the women, whose identity has been kept confidential, stated that she had only taken a selfie with Bala Mohammed and had no romantic relationship with him.
The complainant denied any affair with the defendant, asserting that she was unaware of the social media posts and their false claims.
The prosecutor cited sections 183, 196, 388, and 389 of the Bauchi State Penal Code 2022, arguing that Mohammed’s actions violated the legal provisions regarding defamation and online misconduct.
As the case unfolded, it became clear that the defendant’s social media activity had led to serious reputational harm for the women involved.
The charges against Bala Mohammed are part of a growing trend where social media is being used for defamation, and online privacy violations are being taken more seriously by authorities.
During the court hearing, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Laraba Hamisu, ordered that Bala Mohammed be remanded at the Bauchi Correctional Centre until the next hearing.
The case was adjourned to November 27, 2024, to allow for further investigation into the allegations.
The arrest of Mohammed has raised concerns about the dangers of online defamation and the need for stronger regulations to protect individuals from false claims on social media.
This case also highlights the legal risks associated with using social media platforms for personal vendettas or to harm others.
The court’s decision to adjourn the case reflects the serious nature of the allegations and the importance of thorough investigation.
Bauchi residents are closely following the case, as it brings attention to the growing issue of online harassment and the consequences for those who misuse social media for malicious purposes.
Experts argue that this case could set a precedent for future legal actions against social media defamation, especially as the country continues to grapple with the legal complexities of online behavior.
The outcome of this case will likely have wider implications for social media regulation and the protection of individuals’ reputations in Nigeria.
The trial of Bala Mohammed serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility that comes with using social media, especially in a society that is becoming increasingly connected online.
