Police arrest man over alleged cyberbullying of first-class chiefs in Adamawa

The Adamawa State Police Command has apprehended a man for allegedly using his social media account to bully first-class chiefs of the Numan Federation.

The man, 31-year-old Buriba Israel, is accused of using his Facebook account, bearing the same name, for cyberbullying, criminal intimidation, and circulating unverified and offensive allegations against the traditional rulers.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said on Friday that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect made and circulated social media publications containing accusations against the first-class chiefs.

Nguroje said the publications were considered offensive, disparaging, and capable of undermining the reputation and dignity of those in focus.

“The suspect was arrested following a formal complaint and a subsequent Police investigation into the alleged online activities,” Nguroje stated, adding that relevant electronic devices and other materials linked to the alleged offences had been recovered and were undergoing further forensic examination as the investigation continued.

The police spokesperson stressed that while citizens have the right to freedom of expression, they must exercise such rights responsibly.

He added that the use of social media to harass, threaten, intimidate, defame, or deliberately circulate harmful content against individuals or institutions would not be tolerated.

DAILY POST reports that the Numan Federation in Adamawa State geographically comprises five local government areas, namely Demsa, Guyuk, Lamurde, Numan, and Shelleng in southern Adamawa.

They have five paramount rulers: two in Demsa alone, one in Guyuk, one for Lamurde and Numan, and one in Shelleng. Three of them are first-class rulers, namely Hama Bachama (for Lamurde and Numan, with headquarters in Numan); Hama Batta (for central Demsa, with headquarters in Demsa town); and Amna Shelleng (for Shelleng LGA).