The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned Kaduna-based social media activist, Abubakar Muhammad, popularly known as Sultan, before a Magistrates’ Court in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area, on charges of extortion and criminal intimidation.
Muhammad was brought before Chief Magistrate Muhammad Musa on Monday on a two-count charge under the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State (2017).
The prosecution said the charges stemmed from a petition filed by one Hafsat Yusuf-Paki, who alleged that the defendant created fake social media accounts to threaten and demand money from her in cryptocurrency and through 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 told the court.
While investigators found no evidence of kidnap, the DSS said there was a prima facie case of extortion and intimidation.
Muhammad pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor applied for his remand, but the court granted him bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties in like sum. The Magistrate ruled that the sureties must be Kaduna State civil servants not below Grade Level 16, and must provide passport photographs and bank statements showing a balance of at least ₦1 million.
The court clarified that no cash deposit was required, but the bail sum would be forfeited if the defendant failed to appear for trial.
The case was adjourned until October 6, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
The DSS arrested Muhammad on Saturday at Rigachikun, where investigators reportedly recovered social media handles, digital footprints, and payment records allegedly linked to the case.
