DSS Arraigns Kaduna Activist Sultan For Alleged Extortion, Threats.

DSS Officers.

On Monday, the Department of State Services (DSS) brought charges against Abubakar Muhammad, a social media activist based in Kaduna and widely known as Sultan, at a Magistrates’ Court in Rigasa, located in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Muhammad appeared before Chief Magistrate Muhammad Musa, facing a two-count charge of alleged extortion and criminal intimidation via anonymous communication, in violation of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017.

The prosecution informed the court that the charges stemmed from a formal complaint lodged by Hafsat Yusuf-Paki. She alleged that the defendant used fictitious social media accounts to issue threats and demanded payment from her in cryptocurrency and via a vendor.

“The complainant alleged that the accused threatened to leak her indecent pictures if she refused to comply, and also issued kidnap threats,” the prosecutor said.

He further stated that although the investigation did not uncover proof of an actual kidnapping attempt, sufficient evidence existed to support charges of extortion and criminal intimidation, resulting in the arraignment.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

While the prosecution sought an order to remand the defendant in a correctional facility, the court instead granted bail, setting the amount at ₦1 million with two sureties required to match the same amount.

The Magistrate specified that the sureties must be civil servants in the Kaduna State Civil Service with a minimum rank of Grade Level 16, and they must submit passport photographs and bank statements showing a balance of no less than ₦1 million.

The court made clear that no cash deposit was necessary, but the bail amount would be forfeited should the defendant fail to attend trial.

The case was adjourned to 6 October 2025 for the continuation of proceedings.

The defendant had been apprehended on Saturday in Rigachikun, where investigators reportedly found social media profiles, digital traces, and payment records allegedly associated with the offence.