Shafi’u Tureta, a media aide to former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, remains imprisoned after his arrest in August. Tureta was detained for allegedly criticizing the Sokoto First Lady, Fatima Ahmad Aliyu, over a lavish birthday party where guests were seen throwing dollars.

The party, which was captured in a viral video, drew widespread criticism from Nigerians who viewed it as a wasteful display of wealth amid the country’s economic challenges. Tureta, known for his activism, reportedly shared the video, leading to his arrest by the Sokoto State Police.

Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called for Tureta’s release, criticizing both the First Lady’s extravagant celebration and the governor’s spending on borehole repairs.

Sokoto Police Public Relations Officer Rufa’i Ahmad confirmed that Tureta was arrested following a petition from the First Lady accusing him of character assassination. Despite claims of extended detention, the police stated that Tureta was charged in court the day after his arrest. They emphasized that while freedom of speech is a right, it must be exercised responsibly.