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.
He was docked before Chief Magistrate Muhammad Musa on a two-count charge of extortion and criminal intimidation by anonymous communication, contrary to the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017.
According to the prosecution, the charges stemmed from a petition filed by one Hafsat Yusuf Paki, who alleged that Sultan used fake social media accounts to threaten her.
“The complainant alleged that the accused issued threats to expose her pictures if she failed to comply and even went as far as issuing kidnap threats,” the prosecutor told the court.
The prosecutor, however, clarified that while investigations did not establish any kidnap plot, there was sufficient evidence to sustain charges of extortion and intimidation.
Sultan pleaded not guilty. The DSS asked the court to remand him, but the Magistrate admitted him to bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties in like sum.
The court directed 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.
It stressed that no cash deposit was required but warned that the sum would be forfeited if the accused jumped bail.
The case was adjourned till October 6, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
Sultan was arrested on September 27 at Rigachikun. DSS investigators claimed they recovered the social media handles allegedly used in the offence, alongside digital footprints and payment records.
The service said Sultan allegedly operated with fake handles, #OZugwai40986 on X (formerly Twitter) and #Zugwai75 on Instagram, through which he purportedly issued threats and demanded payment via cryptocurrency and POS accounts.
It maintained that the arrest had no political undertone but was strictly tied to alleged cybercrime.
“The complainant was very scared for his safety and that of his family members. He alleged that the accused used other catfish accounts to lure him to an undisclosed location, raising fears of a possible kidnapping attempt.
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“That was why he reported to the DSS, leading to Sultan’s arrest,” the service had added.
