Court remands influencer over fake news about president Tinubu’s death

A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a 29-year-old social media influencer, Ghali Isma’il, at the Keffi Correctional Centre for allegedly publishing a false video claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had died.

The development follows a report by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, which revealed that Isma’il was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) after he shared the misleading content on his verified TikTok account, @bola_asiwaju.

In the video, Isma’il allegedly announced the death of President Tinubu—a claim authorities have since confirmed to be entirely false and designed to incite public unrest.

The suspect, who hails from Jogana Village in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, was arraigned on a two-count charge relating to the publication of false news and incitement of disaffection against the government.

“The first count, titled Publication of false news with intent to cause offence against public peace, stated that Isma’il, on or about July 20, 2025, falsely claimed in the video that he had confirmed from official sources that President Tinubu was critically ill, allegedly after being poisoned. The charge added that the intent was to cause public alarm and disturb the peace,”‘ the report said.

The offence, according to the prosecution, is punishable under Section 418 of the Penal Code Act, Cap P3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The second count, Inciting disaffection to the government, accused the defendant of attempting to bring contempt or incite feelings of disaffection against the President by spreading falsehood. The prosecution cited Section 416 of the Penal Code as the relevant legal provision.

The presiding magistrate, Ekpeyong Iyang, after listening to submissions by the prosecution and the defence, denied the bail application filed by Isma’il’s counsel.

He ordered the accused to be remanded at the Keffi Correctional Centre pending the continuation of trial, which was adjourned till August 19.