A Life Camp Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja on Thursday granted bail to a 19-year-old man, Aliyu Saidu, following his arraignment over allegations of cyberbullying, criminal intimidation and threats of kidnapping directed at a female complainant in the Federal Capital Territory.
Saidu, a resident of Dutse Alhaji, Abuja, pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Musa Jobbo on charges including criminal intimidation, harassment, cyberstalking, cyberbullying and extortion.
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The prosecution told the court that the case originated from a complaint filed by Miss Gladys Raza, who resides at Brains and Hammer City Estate, Karmo, Abuja, at the Karmo Police Station on June 8, 2026.
According to prosecuting counsel Charity Nwachukwu, the defendant allegedly sent offensive and threatening messages to the complainant on June 6, accompanied by repeated demands for money and other items.
The court heard that Saidu allegedly demanded ₦2 million, a brand-new Bajaj motorcycle, 16 bottles of codeine, 20 packs of tramadol, and one carton of condoms, while also threatening to kidnap the complainant and her children if she failed to comply.
The prosecution said the threats created fear for the safety of the complainant and her family.
Police further told the court that during investigation, the defendant allegedly admitted that the messages were sent from his phone.
The alleged offences, the prosecution said, contravene provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Magistrate Musa Jobbo granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000, with one surety in like sum, and ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
The case was adjourned until July 27, 2026, for hearing.
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The matter adds to a growing number of cybercrime-related prosecutions in Nigeria as authorities intensify enforcement against online harassment, intimidation and digital extortion.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
