Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Mr Abubakar Adamu on March 11, 2026, over alleged inciting posts he reportedly made on social media and suspected foreign links. He was charged before a Federal High Court in Kaduna and opposed his bail application, arguing that the offences against him are serious and not ordinarily bailable.
Mr Adamu, whose X account is @AbbakarAffan, was arrested after posting comments that security authorities described as threatening in relation to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The case, filed as Charge No. FHC/KD/55C/2026, is between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Mr Adamu.
In a counter-affidavit filed before the court, the agency said some of the charges could attract severe penalties if he is convicted.
According to the affidavit deposed by DSS operative Jones Gabriel, who was involved in the investigation, Mr Adamu was tracked through his social media activity, arrested, and later confronted with evidence from his posts. Investigators said he allegedly admitted to the charges during questioning.
One of the allegations relates to a post on his X account calling for the elimination of Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Security officials warned that such statements could create diplomatic tension and potentially draw Nigeria into international conflict, citing the ongoing hostility between Israel and Iran as an example.
The DSS also told the court that its investigation found that Mr Adamu had previously made threats against people who hold different religious or ideological views from his own.
Security agents further alleged that Mr Adamu has links with foreign contacts believed to be involved in recruiting Nigerians to participate in foreign military activities in countries such as Ukraine and Russia.
The affidavit also stated that the Mr Adamu had travelled to places including Benghazi in Libya and Egypt while pursuing these activities, raising concerns that he might leave the country if granted bail.
Based on these findings, the DSS urged the court to deny the bail application, arguing that the Mr Adamu may not present himself for trial if released.
The case has also drawn attention to the broader debate over national security and freedom of expression, particularly how authorities handle social media commentary that may have international implications.
