By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has dismissed reports alleging the unlawful detention of Abdulhamid Deflowerboy, a suspect accused of publishing defamatory content against the state. Authorities insist due process was strictly adhered to.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in a statement on Saturday, clarified that Abdulhamid was lawfully invited by security agencies following a petition over a “clearly defamatory” article targeting the government.
According to Fanwo, the suspect voluntarily responded to the police invitation, admitted to authoring the publication in question, and was subsequently arraigned before a competent court which ordered his remand pending further proceedings.
“Defamation is not protected under the guise of free speech,” Fanwo said. “It is a criminal offence capable of damaging hard-earned reputations and dragging innocent persons into public ridicule.”
The government accused unnamed political actors of sponsoring misinformation aimed at discrediting the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. Fanwo claimed Abdulhamid had been exploited by disgruntled politicians unwilling to accept the end of patronage politics in the state.
He cited a precedent involving political activist Austin Okai, who was pardoned only after publicly apologizing for a similar offense, warning against ethnic bias in calls for Abdulhamid’s release.
“To demand his release based on ethnic affiliation with the Governor is to insult the principle of equal justice,” Fanwo stated. “What applies to one must apply to all.”
While reiterating the administration’s commitment to law, order, and youth development, the Commissioner called on young people to resist being manipulated into breaking the law for political gain.
He also cautioned the media against sensational reporting, urging journalists to verify facts before publication.
“We will not allow public opinion to be manipulated with half-truths. Anyone who accuses the state government falsely must be prepared to defend their claims in court,” Fanwo added.
The statement assured that the case would follow legal procedure and encouraged the public to support the rule of law, not sentiment.
