BREAKING: Borno Govt Suspends Councillor Over Social Media Post Allegedly Disrespecting Local Council Chairman

The Borno State Government has suspended Mele Mohammed, the Councillor representing Yawa Kura in Abadam Local Government Area, over alleged misconduct on social media.

According to an official letter signed by Bashir Goni Sanda, Acting Director of Local Government Affairs on behalf of the Commissioner, obtained by SaharaReporters, the suspension follows Mohammed’s public disrespect of the Executive Chairman of Abadam Local Government, Malam Fatori, through social media platforms — an action described as a violation of existing laws governing the conduct of public officials.

The letter, which was also copied to the Executive Chairman, stated that the suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of further investigations into the matter.

Bashir noted that Mohammed’s action was deemed unbecoming of a person holding such an esteemed public office and said the government viewed the incident as a serious breach of protocol and public accountability.

The statement read, "I am directed to write and refer to the above subject matter and to convey approval of your suspension from office as councillor of Yawa Kura Ward in Abadam Local Government Area pending your case is determined.”

"The suspension became necessary as a result of misconduct unbecoming of a person holding such an esteemed position to disrespect the Executive Chairman of Local Government through social media which is against the Law," the statement added.

​Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, there has been a notable increase in arrests, detentions, and harassment of journalists, activists, and citizens over social media posts and critical reporting. These actions have raised significant concerns about press freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria.​​

Activists and Citizens Detained Over Social Media Posts

Several activists and citizens have been arrested or detained for their social media activities.

For instance, Olamide Thomas, a nurse and activist, was arrested after a Facebook video where she criticised President Tinubu and other officials following her experience during the #EndSARS memorial procession. ​

Bristol Tamunobiefiri, also known as PIDOM, a whistleblower, was detained for alleged breach of national security and cybercrime. ​

On April 18, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), Engineer Adam Bababe, used the police to arrest a man, Suleiman Usman—popularly known as Sultan—on allegations of cyberbullying and defamation.

Sources told SaharaReporters that the 26-year-old was arrested on April 12, 2025, over what they described as baseless accusations, insisting he did not commit any act of cyberbullying.

According to a source familiar with the case, Suleiman’s arrest was politically motivated and allegedly directed by Bababe, a known ally of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

“He was arrested on April 12, 2025 by the police commissioner, who is always dancing to the tune of one governor’s ally,” the source claimed.

“One Engr. Adam Bababe, who always directs police to arrest young persons who are not supporting the APC, is behind this. Suleiman is just the latest victim.”

The source further alleged that the police in Borno State, acting under instructions from top political figures, are being used as tools of suppression against dissenting voices, especially young people critical of the APC-led administration.

“This is not about cyberbullying. It’s about silencing a young man who dares to speak his mind. Suleiman didn’t commit any crime. He is being punished for refusing to toe the political line of those in power,” the source added.

When SaharaReporters contacted Adam Bababe, he accused Suleiman of persistent cyberbullying, spreading false allegations, and inciting public tension, which he described as a threat to his life and safety.

“Suleiman has consistently defamed me online,” Bababe stated.

“He has been cyberbullying me, sending false allegations, and continuously creating a security threat to my life. That was basically what pushed me to take legal action.”

Bababe explained that he initially ignored Suleiman’s actions until the individual went further by posting his photograph online with a caption accusing him of being responsible for Borno State’s problems.

Use of Cybercrime Laws to Suppress Dissent

The Cybercrime Act has been frequently invoked to arrest and prosecute individuals for online expressions deemed offensive or critical of the government or its officials. This trend has been criticised by media rights groups and civil society organisations as a tool to suppress free speech. ​