The Kogi State Government has dismissed growing social media claims about the arrest and ongoing prosecution of Abdulhamid Deflowerboy, describing the reports as misleading and false.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government said Abdulhamid was not unlawfully detained, but was arrested and charged after voluntarily admitting to authoring a defamatory post against the state.
The statement explains that the government acted within the bounds of the law by petitioning the police to investigate the matter. Abdulhamid was reportedly invited, confessed to the offense, and has since been arraigned and remanded by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The government insisted that defamation remains a criminal offense in Nigeria and should not be mistaken for free speech, warning that misinformation can damage reputations and disrupt governance.
The statement accused unnamed political actors of using Abdulhamid to attack the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, which it says is focused on delivering development in infrastructure, education, healthcare, power supply, and civil service welfare.
Drawing parallels with the case of another individual, Austin Okai, who previously faced a similar situation, the government dismissed ethnic-based calls for Abdulhamid’s release, insisting that justice must be based on facts, not tribal affiliation.
The statement further warned young people against being used by desperate politicians, noting that Abdulhamid has now been abandoned by those who allegedly pushed him into the act.
While reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the Kogi State Government urged the media to uphold ethical standards and avoid sensational reporting, adding that anyone who makes serious allegations must be ready to defend them in court.
