Media Activist Moves to Prison After SSS Court Case

A media activist, Abdulkarim Allanana, also known as Oscar Keana, has been moved from the Lafia Custodial Centre to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Nasarawa State. This transfer happened after he was brought to court by the State Security Service (SSS).

Mr Allanana, who is the chairman of the Indigenous People of Nasarawa State (IPNAS), was moved on Tuesday. This change followed a directive from the Nigerian Correctional Service, as confirmed by sources who know about the situation.

His transfer took place a few days after the Federal High Court in Lafia ordered that he be kept in custody. This was after his arraignment by the SSS over claims of false information against Governor Abdullahi Sule.

Mr Allanana is facing two charges related to these allegations of false information. The court has postponed the case until 26 November for a hearing on his bail application.

The case started after a petition that Governor Sule reportedly submitted. This petition was sent through the Abuja-based law firm, Legal Logic, and is dated 20 September. In the petition, the governor accused Mr Allanana of making serious, harmful, and unverified claims against him in social media posts.

One of the claims mentioned in the petition is that Mr Sule told his supporters to back former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the 2023 presidential primary election. This allegedly went against the interests of the APC.

The petition also included claims by the activist that linked Mr Sule to the downfall of the African Petroleum (AP) Group of Companies. Additionally, Mr Allanana was accused of making statements about Mr Sule's support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general elections.

According to the petition, Mr Sule believes these claims are false and damaging. He argued that they could cause him and his office to face public hatred, ridicule, and disgrace.

The petition also mentioned online videos where Mr Allanana allegedly made disrespectful comments about the governor's family. This included remarks about a DNA test involving the governor's daughter.

It was reported that Mr Allanana took back some of the statements after he made them. Despite this, the SSS continued with the case and brought him before the Federal High Court.

The activist's ongoing detention and transfer have raised concerns among some people. They say the case brings up issues about freedom of speech and the protection of civic space.

A source close to the matter encouraged rights groups and those who care about civil liberties to pay attention to the case. "Whatever the allegations, his case deserves attention from those who consistently advocate for freedom of expression, due process and the protection of civic space," the source said.

Mr Allanana will stay in custody until the hearing of his bail application on 26 November.