Police arrest man over alleged cyberbullying of first-class chiefs in Adamawa
Adamawa Police Arrest Man for Alleged Cyberbullying of Traditional Rulers
The Adamawa State Police Command announced the arrest of a 31-year-old man for allegedly using social media to harass first-class chiefs of the Numan Federation.
Buriba Israel is accused of employing his Facebook account, which bears his name, to engage in cyberbullying, intimidation, and the dissemination of unverified and derogatory allegations against the traditional leaders.
State Police Public Relations Officer Suleiman Nguroje stated on Friday that initial investigations indicated that Israel created and shared social media posts making accusations against these first-class chiefs.
Nguroje described the content of these posts as offensive and damaging, suggesting that they could potentially harm the reputation and dignity of the individuals involved.
“The suspect was arrested following a formal complaint and a subsequent police investigation into the alleged online activities,” Nguroje said. He also confirmed that electronic devices and other materials linked to the alleged offenses had been seized and were undergoing forensic analysis as the investigation progressed.
The police spokesperson emphasized that while citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, this right must be exercised responsibly.
He warned that any use of social media for harassment, threats, intimidation, defamation, or the deliberate spread of harmful content against individuals or institutions would not be tolerated.
The Numan Federation encompasses five local government areas in southern Adamawa: Demsa, Guyuk, Lamurde, Numan, and Shelleng. It is home to five paramount rulers, with three classified as first-class. These include the Hama Bachama for Lamurde and Numan, Hama Batta for Demsa, and the Amna Shelleng for Shelleng LGA.
