A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of lawyer Ahmed Abdulrahman and four other defendants at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Area 10, Abuja. Justice Rita Offili-Ajumogobia made the ruling after the group was arraigned for allegedly cyber-bullying Senator Shehu Baba Umar. They will remain in custody until November 10.

The Police, led by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), accused the defendants of targeting the lawmaker, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence. The defendants — Daure David, Ishaq Abubakar Muhammed, Abdulrashid Abdullahi Musa, and Nasiru Usman Abubakar — reportedly engaged in blackmail and online harassment directed at the senator.

During the hearing, the suspects were charged with eleven offences including cyberstalking, online fraud, and extortion. All five defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court. Following their plea, the prosecution counsel, Victor Okoye, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand them in Kuje Prison pending proceedings.

However, the defence counsel, Affis Matanmi, argued for bail for the first defendant, Abdulrahman, saying he is a lawyer and would not interfere with investigations. Matanmi reminded the court that the police previously granted Abdulrahman administrative bail and he did not abscond, which shows he respects the law.

Prosecutor Victor Okoye opposed the bail request, insisting the lawyer continued cyber-bullying activities after initially being released. He told the court that Abdulrahman is prominently linked to five out of the eleven charges, and therefore should not be granted bail. After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge ordered all defendants held at FCID.