The Nigeria police have arraigned Aminu Mohammed, a final-year student of the Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State arrested by security operatives for allegedly criticizing the first lady, Aisha Buhari.
The police had earlier told Mr Mohammed’s family that he would be arraigned on Tuesday but later postponed the arraignment till Wednesday on the premise that the judge was indisposed.
It was however gathered that the police later on Tuesday arraigned the final-year student before FCT High Court No. 14 presided over by Justice Yusuf Halilu.
The judge ordered the defendant to be remanded in Suleja Prison pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.
The application, which has been filed by his lawyer will be heard before the week runs out.
The one-count charge read: ”That you Aminu Adamu, male of Anguwar Sarakuna, Bauch, Bauchi state sometime between May – June 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did intentionally open a Twitter Handle with the name @aminullahie Catalyst and screenshot the image of Her Excellency Hajia Aisha Buhari and wrote on it in Hausa language ‘Su mama anchi kudi talakawa ankoshi’ roughly translated to the English language to mean ‘mama has embezzled monies meant for the poor to satisfaction’ and posted same on your above Twitter handle for the members of the public to read, knowing same to be false and capable of affecting her reputation. You thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 391 of the penal code.”
According to his uncle, Shehu Baba-Azare, the police did not inform the family about the arraignment.
“It’s clearly a secret arraignment because they did not inform us. We are very concerned about his situation. He will sit for his final exam on December 5,” Mr Baba-Azare said.
Mr Mohammed was picked up a few days ago by plainclothes policemen over a Twitter post criticising the first lady.
Mr Aminu was allegedly beaten up alongside a former social media aide to the first lady, Zainab Kazeem, for allegedly leaking secrets of the first lady.
The president’s wife reportedly fractured her leg while trying to join the security agents in brutalizing the duo.
While Mrs Kazeem was released and asked not to speak to anyone about her ordeal, Mr Mohammed remained in police custody until his secret arraignment on Tuesday.
Their arrest and torture have sparked nationwide outrage, with many accusing Mrs Buhari of abuse of privilege.
SEE THE CHARGE SHEET BELOW.