By Victor Gai, Jalingo
The Federal High Court, Jalingo, has ordered the arrest of social media activist, Abdulmumuni Imam, over allegations of defamation against the Minister of State for Regional Development, Barr. Uba Maigari.
Imam, in a viral post on his verified Facebook page, accused the Minister of diverting ₦16.5 billion earmarked for the reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, an allegation the Minister described as false and damaging.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, counsel to the Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Effiong, said the activist’s claims were capable of inciting the public and injuring the reputation of his client.
Effiong noted that the Minister chose to approach the court rather than involve security agencies, stressing that Imam was invited to defend his allegations but failed to appear, opting instead to claim on social media that he was being hunted.
He cautioned that while freedom of expression exists, it must be exercised responsibly.
“This is not about compensation or damages,” Effiong said. “It is about setting the record straight. If the activist proves his claims, the law will take its course. If not, he must take responsibility for misleading the public.”
