Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Plateau State-based activist, Nansel Selman Lar, has been remanded in prison custody following a series of arrests and detentions by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over online posts demanding accountability in Langtang North and Langtang South Local Government Areas. Lar is now facing a five-count charge before the Federal High Court in Jos over alleged cyber-related offences, conspiracy, defamation, and inciting disturbance, according to court documents obtained by SaharaReporters.
Lar's ordeal began on 23 June 2026, when he honoured an invitation by the CID following petitions reportedly filed against him over issues concerning the two local government areas. After responding to the allegations, he was detained the same day. Sources familiar with the investigation told SaharaReporters that detectives later searched his residence before granting him administrative bail on 24 June, pending the conclusion of investigations. His freedom, however, lasted barely a day. Lar was rearrested on 25 June over another petition relating to Langtang South Local Government Area and detained once again at the CID. He was granted administrative bail on 27 June after spending two more days in custody. On 30 June, detectives again took him into custody for what sources described as pre-arraignment procedures. He was subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court in Jos on 1 July and remanded in prison custody, where he has remained.
Court documents obtained by SaharaReporters show that Lar has been charged by the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, before the Federal High Court, Jos Judicial Division. The charge, dated 6 July 2026, names Lar, 33, as the first defendant alongside four other persons who are currently at large. According to the charge sheet, the offences allegedly occurred between 26 April and 27 April 2026, in Zaramaganda, Jos South Local Government Area. The prosecution alleged that the defendants orchestrated an online campaign accusing the Executive Chairman of Langtang South Local Government Area, Hon. Nanfa Nbin Alhassan, of embezzlement.
The five-count charge includes conspiracy, cyberstalking, defamation of character, inciting disturbance, and criminal intimidation. Police alleged that Lar and the other defendants used Facebook and WhatsApp to circulate messages described as "grossly offensive and menacing," while publishing allegations intended to damage the reputation of the council chairman. The charge further alleged that some of the online posts encouraged protests and attacks capable of causing a breach of public peace. The offences were brought under provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the Penal Code Act. The prosecution said the case followed a petition submitted by Alhassan over what he described as defamatory and inflammatory online publications directed at him and his administration.
Meanwhile, sources told SaharaReporters that Lar's arrest may also be connected to his publication of an open letter addressed to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang calling for accountability in the management of public funds in Langtang North and Langtang South local government areas. According to the sources, Lar shared the letter on his Facebook Reels and announced plans to further discuss its contents on his social media platforms. The letter, dated 22 June 2026, was titled, "Emergency Intervention Is Needed for N614.9 Budget Performance of Langtang North and Total Opacity in Langtang South."
In response to the controversy, the Langtang North Local Government Council has dismissed claims linking Lar's remand to the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Pirfa Jingfa Tyem. In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Kum Precious, the council said public discussions surrounding Lar's remand should be guided by facts, accuracy and respect for the rule of law. The council said the chairman only exercised his constitutional right by submitting a petition to relevant law enforcement authorities over issues he considered deserving of investigation. It explained that the petition was received by the Nigeria Police Force and remains subject to due legal process, adding that the petition had not been filed before any court of competent jurisdiction.
The council stressed that decisions relating to investigation, arraignment, applications for remand and prosecution are within the powers of law enforcement agencies and the courts. "It is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Government or the Council itself ordered, directed or secured the remand of Mr. Nansel Selnan Lar," the statement said. The council also rejected claims that Lar was being persecuted for demanding accountability, insisting that it had never refused lawful requests for information. It said the council had consistently responded to requests submitted by Lar through appropriate administrative channels, including seeking clarifications where necessary to ensure compliance with relevant laws and procedures. "The records of the Council clearly demonstrate that his requests were acknowledged and addressed through lawful administrative processes," the statement added.
Lar's repeated arrests and continued detention have drawn concern from supporters and civil society observers, who have questioned the handling of the case and urged authorities to ensure due process and transparency. The council reaffirmed the commitment of the Tyem administration to transparency, accountability and responsible governance, noting that the administration would continue to operate within the confines of the law. It also pledged respect for the constitutional independence of the Nigeria Police Force and the judiciary, maintaining that the local government does not interfere with investigations or judicial proceedings. The council urged members of the public, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to allow relevant institutions to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without misinformation or undue interference.
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