Kogi Government Clarifies Arrest of Defamation Suspect, Insists Due Process Followed

The Kogi State Government has dismissed reports alleging the unlawful detention of one Abdulhamid Deflowerboy, describing them as deliberate attempts to distort facts and incite public sentiment.

In a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government stated that Abdulhamid was lawfully invited by security agencies following a petition against a “clearly defamatory” publication authored by him against the State Government.

Fanwo emphasized that the suspect voluntarily honoured the police invitation, confessed to authoring the false publication, and was subsequently arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction which ordered his remand. He stressed that contrary to claims on social media, Abdulhamid is not being detained illegally but is facing prosecution in line with Nigeria’s laws on defamation.

“Defamation is a criminal offense in Nigeria, not an expression of free speech,” the statement read. “It has the potential to destroy reputations built over decades and plunge innocent individuals into disrepute. Sadly, Abdulhamid allowed himself to be used by disgruntled political elements who are yet to come to terms with the fact that the era of politics of patronage is over in Kogi State.”

The government accused unnamed political actors of sponsoring misinformation in a bid to undermine the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whom it said has earned the people’s trust through “massive investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, power, and civil service welfare.”

While reiterating its commitment to youth empowerment through ICT, enterprise, and education, the government expressed disappointment that some young people still allow themselves to be exploited by desperate politicians.

The Commissioner drew comparisons with a previous case involving political activist Austin Okai, who was forgiven only after publicly apologizing for similar actions.

“Justice must never be based on ethnic considerations. To ask that Abdulhamid be released because he shares ethnic ties with the Governor is to insult the principles of fairness and equality before the law. What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” Fanwo stated.

He further noted that Abdulhamid’s case should serve as a lesson to other youths that those who incite wrongdoing rarely show up to defend their pawns when the law takes its course.

The government assured the public that the case will follow due process and urged the media to verify facts and avoid sensationalism in reporting issues that border on legal and reputational matters.

“We have chosen to speak out in order to clarify the facts and ensure that members of the public are not misled into defending wrongdoing out of ignorance or emotion. When you make wild allegations against the State Government, be prepared to defend them because others also have the right to defend their integrity,” he concluded.

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