A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has ordered that social media user, Ghali Isma’il, be remanded at the Keffi Correctional Centre following his arrest for spreading false information about President Bola Tinubu’s alleged death.
Isma’il, 29, from Jogana Village in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, was apprehended by the Department of State Services after posting a viral video on TikTok via the verified handle @bola_asiwaju.
In the clip, he falsely claimed that President Tinubu had died as a result of poisoning, sparking public concern and online agitation.
He was arraigned on two counts: publication of false news with intent to cause offence against public peace and inciting disaffection to the government.
According to the first charge, Isma’il was accused of knowingly disseminating unverified information on July 20, 2025, suggesting the President was critically ill and had died—an act said to contravene Section 418 of the Penal Code Act.
The second charge alleged that he deliberately spread misinformation aimed at provoking contempt and public disaffection toward the government, in violation of Section 416 of the Penal Code.
Presiding Magistrate Ekpeyong Iyang refused the defence’s request for bail and directed that the defendant be held in custody until the next court session, scheduled for August 19.
The case comes amid growing concerns over misinformation on social media, including a recent high-profile retraction by U.S.-based journalism professor Farooq Kperogi, who falsely alleged that former President Muhammadu Buhari was divorced at the time of his death.
