The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 31-year-old man, Buriba Israel, over alleged cyberbullying and criminal intimidation of a First-Class Chief, His Royal Majesty Daniel Samaila Hamman Bachama.
Israel, a resident of Jambutu in Yola South Local Government Area, was arrested following a complaint over social media publications allegedly containing offensive and disparaging allegations against the traditional ruler.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying the arrest followed a police investigation into the suspect’s alleged online activities.
Nguroje said preliminary investigations indicated that Israel allegedly created and circulated publications which the police considered capable of damaging the reputation and dignity of the traditional ruler.
“The publications were considered offensive, disparaging, and capable of undermining their reputation and dignity,” the statement said.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested after a formal complaint was lodged and investigators commenced inquiries into the alleged cyber activities.
The command said electronic devices and other materials believed to be connected to the alleged offences were recovered from the suspect and had been subjected to forensic examination.
“Relevant electronic devices and other materials linked to the alleged offences have been recovered and are undergoing further forensic examination as investigation continues,” the statement added.
The police said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the publications and determine whether the suspect had committed any offence under relevant laws.
The command, however, acknowledged citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of expression, stressing that such freedom must be exercised within the boundaries of the law.
“The use of social media to harass, threaten, intimidate, defame, or deliberately circulate harmful content against individuals or institutions will not be tolerated,” the command warned.
The police said the growing use of social media platforms had made it necessary for residents to exercise caution when making or sharing allegations against individuals, institutions and traditional authorities.
It warned that unverified claims and offensive materials circulated online could have serious consequences, particularly where they were intended to threaten, intimidate or damage the reputation of individuals.
The Commissioner of Police, Kabir Hassan, directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated to establish the facts surrounding the allegations.
The CP further directed that the suspect should face the full weight of the law if found culpable after the conclusion of the investigation.
The command said the arrest was part of its broader responsibility to protect public order and ensure that digital platforms were not used as avenues for criminal activities.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity and integrity of traditional institutions across the state.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the use of social media to circulate allegations, threats and other potentially harmful content against public figures, traditional rulers and institutions.
While social media platforms have provided citizens with wider opportunities to express opinions and raise concerns, authorities have increasingly warned against using them to harass, threaten or defame others.
The police urged residents with grievances against individuals or institutions to pursue lawful channels for seeking redress rather than resorting to online harassment or intimidation.
West Trybe reports that the Adamawa case highlights the increasing intersection between social media activity and law enforcement, as authorities intensify efforts to address alleged cyberbullying, intimidation and other forms of unlawful online conduct.
