Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Archbishop Prof. Emmanuel Musa Jatau, founder of Faith Hill Prophetic Assembly, Piwoyi, Abuja, has appealed to Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule to consider humanitarian grounds in the continued detention of media activist Abdulkarim Allanana, popularly known as Oscar Keana.
Jatau made the appeal in a letter dated October 7, 2026, following Keana’s remand in custody by the Federal High Court sitting in Lafia over allegations arising from publications concerning Governor Sule.
Keana is facing a two-count charge bordering on alleged false information in a case filed as Suit No. FHC/LF/176C/2026. The Federal High Court has adjourned proceedings to November 26, 2026, for hearing of his bail application.
In his letter to the governor, Jatau said he had no personal relationship with Keana and had never met him. He explained that his intervention was motivated solely by humanitarian concerns.
The cleric stressed that his appeal should not be interpreted as an attempt to determine whether the allegations against Keana were true or false, noting that such a determination was the responsibility of the court.
Jatau urged Governor Sule to consider Keana’s family circumstances and general welfare and, where permitted by law, support his release on appropriate conditions pending the determination of the case.
According to the cleric, such a gesture would demonstrate restraint and magnanimity while allowing the judicial process to continue without interference.
Keana was reportedly transferred on Tuesday from the Lafia Custodial Centre to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Nasarawa following his arraignment by the Department of State Services.
The activist was remanded after being arraigned over publications which authorities considered false and concerning Governor Sule. The allegations remain unproven, and Keana is entitled to the presumption of innocence until determined otherwise by a competent court.
Jatau called on all parties to allow the judicial process to run its course while urging consideration of Keana’s circumstances pending the determination of his bail application.
The cleric’s appeal comes amid renewed calls from some civil society and human rights figures for Keana’s release. Human rights activist Usman Okai Austin, for instance, separately demanded his immediate release and criticised his transfer to the Medium Security Custodial Centre.
For now, the Federal High Court remains scheduled to hear Keana’s bail application on November 26, 2026.
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