By: Joy Musa
Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, has visited a group of young activists and media practitioners detained and charged to court following allegations of cyber-bullying against Senator Shehu Umar Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District.
The individuals—Barr. Ahmed Abdurrahman (Kibanna), a legal practitioner; Daure David, a political activist; Ishaq Mohammed; Abdulrashid Abdullahi, an editor with Vanguard Hausa; and Nasir Mohammed, a political activist and social media influencer—were reportedly held for six weeks before being arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
During a visit to them at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja, Dalung expressed solidarity with the detained persons, describing their experience as part of the sacrifices sometimes demanded in the pursuit of national development.
“For any country to develop, one must pay the price,” Dalung said while addressing the group. He urged them to remain resolute, focused, and undeterred by what he described as humiliating circumstances, assuring them that they were “fighting a good cause.”
Dalung further pledged to explore all lawful avenues to ensure the accused regain their freedom. He also appealed to the presiding judge to reconsider the bail conditions set for the defendants, calling them “too stiff” for individuals facing allegations of cyber-bullying.
“I will do my best to ensure justice is served and that these young men are not subjected to conditions beyond their means,” he said.
The case has continued to generate public interest, particularly within civil society and press-freedom circles, as discussions grow around digital expression, political accountability, and the limits of online speech in Nigeria.
Further proceedings at the Federal High Court are expected to continue in the coming days.
