The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned Kaduna-based social media activist, Abubakar Muhammad, popularly known as Sultan, before a Magistrate Court in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sultan was docked before Chief Magistrate Muhammad Musa on a two-count charge bordering on extortion and criminal intimidation by anonymous communication, offences contrary to the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State 2017.
According to the Prosecution Counsel, the charges followed a petition by one Hafsat Yusuf Paki, who alleged that Sultan threatened her via fake social media accounts and demanded payments in cryptocurrency and through a vendor.
The Prosecutor told the Court that, “the complainant alleged that the accused threatened to leak her indecent pictures to the public if she refused to comply and even issued kidnap threats.”
He added that, “while investigation has not established kidnap elements, there is a prima facie case of extortion and criminal intimidation, hence the arraignment.”
The accused, Muhammad, however, pleaded not guilty. DSS applied for his remand in correctional custody, but the Magistrate admitted him to bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties in like sum.
The Court ordered that the sureties must be civil servants not below Grade Level 16 in the Kaduna State Government, with passport photographs and bank statements showing not less than ₦1 million.
The Court clarified that no cash deposit was required, but the sum would be forfeited if Sultan jumped bail.
The case was, however, adjourned to October 6, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
Sultan was arrested on September 27 at Rigachikun, where investigators claimed they recovered the social media handles allegedly used for the offence, along with digital footprints and payment records.
