The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned Kaduna-based social media activist, Abubakar Muhammad, popularly known as Sultan, before a Magistrates’ Court in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Muhammad Musa on a two-count charge of extortion and criminal intimidation by anonymous communication, contrary to the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017.
The prosecution said the case stemmed from a petition by Hafsat Yusuf-Paki, who alleged that the defendant created fake social media accounts to threaten and demand cryptocurrency payments from her. The petitioner further claimed that Muhammad threatened to leak her indecent pictures if she refused to comply and also issued kidnap threats.
While investigators found no evidence of kidnap, they said there was a prima facie case of extortion and intimidation.
The defendant pleaded not guilty. The prosecution sought his remand in custody, but the court instead granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties of like sum. The sureties must be civil servants not below Grade Level 16 in the Kaduna State Civil Service, provide passport photographs, and show bank statements with a balance of at least ₦1 million.
The court clarified that no cash deposit was required, but the bail would be forfeited if the defendant failed to appear.
The case was adjourned to October 6, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
Muhammad was arrested on Saturday at Rigachikun, where DSS operatives reportedly recovered social media handles, digital footprints, and payment records allegedly linked to the offence.
