Adamu Mohammed, a 23-year-old Nigerian university student, has been arrested and charged with defaming President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife on Twitter. Prosecutors allege that Mohammed posted a picture of Aisha Buhari, and wrote in the Hausa language words that roughly translated accused her of embezzlement. The prosecution has accused Mohammed of spreading false information, and he is due to start his final exams on Monday. It is unclear whether he will be able to do so, as he is still in detention. His lawyer, Chijioke Kingsley Agu, has said that he has applied for bail, and he hopes this will be considered within 48 hours. Mr Mohammed’s parents have publicly implored Mrs Buhari to forgive their son.
case against Mohammed has drawn criticism from social media users and rights campaigners, who say that Nigerian officials are becoming increasingly intolerant of criticism.
