Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 31-year-old man, Buriba Israel, over allegations of cyberbullying and criminal intimidation directed at a First-Class Chief, Hamman Bachama, Daniel Samaila, in a case that has ignited fresh debate over the boundaries of free expression in Nigeria's digital space. Israel, a resident of Jambutu in Yola South Local Government Area, was apprehended following a formal complaint lodged by the traditional ruler, prompting a police investigation that led to the recovery of electronic devices and other materials now undergoing forensic examination. The command announced the arrest in a statement issued on Friday, August 21, 2026, by its Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly made and circulated social media publications containing accusations against the traditional ruler, which the command described as offensive, disparaging, and capable of undermining the chief's reputation and dignity. The statement did not specify the exact nature of the allegations or the social media platform used, though other reports indicated that Israel used his Facebook account to circulate the offensive content. The police condemned the misuse of social media platforms for cyberbullying, criminal intimidation, and the circulation of unverified and offensive allegations against traditional institutions and respected members of society.
The Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Kabir Hassan, has directed that the case be thoroughly investigated and that the suspect be made to face the full wrath of the law if found culpable. The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity of traditional institutions, maintaining public order, and ensuring that the digital space is not exploited for criminal intimidation, cyberbullying or other unlawful activities. While acknowledging that citizens have the right to freedom of expression, the police stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law. "The use of social media to harass, threaten, intimidate, defame, or deliberately circulate harmful content against individuals or institutions will not be tolerated," the command said.
The case has drawn attention to the growing trend of prosecuting online speech in Nigeria, where authorities have increasingly invoked cybercrime laws to address perceived insults or defamation against public figures and institutions. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, criminalises the intentional transmission of false messages intended to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, or ill will. Violations can attract fines of up to N7 million and imprisonment of up to three years. However, critics have argued that the law is being weaponised to suppress dissent and criminalise criticism, raising concerns about the chilling effect on freedom of expression.
The arrest of Israel is not an isolated incident. In recent months, Nigerian authorities have pursued several high-profile cases involving online speech. In August 2026, a 24-year-old student of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, was arrested over alleged involvement in sextortion, impersonation, and cyberstalking. In July 2026, the Nigeria Police Force declared three persons wanted over alleged offences bordering on cyberbullying and cyberstalking. In April 2026, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactical unit arraigned a traditional ruler from Ikorodu and his alleged accomplice before a Lagos Magistrate's Court over claims of defamation, cyberbullying and contempt of court. The pattern suggests a concerted effort by law enforcement to police the digital space, but critics question whether the response is proportionate to the offences.
The case of Buriba Israel also raises questions about the role of traditional institutions in Nigeria's legal framework and the extent to which they should be shielded from public criticism. First-Class Chiefs hold significant cultural and political influence in their communities, and attacks on their character can have far-reaching consequences. However, in a democratic society, public figures, including traditional rulers, are generally expected to tolerate a higher degree of criticism than private citizens. The police's decision to treat the suspect's social media posts as a criminal matter, rather than a civil defamation case, suggests a determination to send a strong deterrent message. The command's statement that it remains "committed to protecting the dignity of traditional institutions" indicates that the protection of traditional rulers' reputations is a priority for the state.
The suspect, who has not yet been formally charged in court, remains in police custody pending the outcome of the investigation. The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation, and the case will likely proceed to court if sufficient evidence is established. The police have not disclosed whether Israel has legal representation or whether he has made any statement regarding the allegations. As the investigation continues, the case serves as a cautionary tale for social media users in Nigeria, where the line between legitimate criticism and criminal offence can sometimes appear blurry. For now, Buriba Israel's fate hangs in the balance, as the police and the courts determine whether his online posts constitute a criminal act or an exercise of free speech.
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