DSS Arraigns Kaduna Influencer Over Alleged Extortion, Threats
The Department of State Services (DSS) has charged Kaduna-based social media influencer, Abubakar Muhammad, popularly known as Sultan, before a Magistrate’s Court in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He appeared before Chief Magistrate Muhammad Musa on a two-count charge of extortion and criminal intimidation through anonymous communication, offences said to contravene the Kaduna State Penal Code Law of 2017.
According to the prosecution, the charges stem from a petition filed by one Hafsat Yusuf Paki, who alleged that Sultan, using fake social media accounts, threatened to release her intimate pictures unless she made payments in cryptocurrency and via a vendor.
The prosecutor further told the court that the accused also issued threats of kidnap, though investigation did not establish sufficient evidence to support that claim. “However, a prima facie case of extortion and criminal intimidation has been established, hence the arraignment,” he stated.
Sultan pleaded not guilty. The DSS sought his remand in correctional custody, but the magistrate granted him bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties, the court ruled, must be civil servants not below Grade Level 16 in the Kaduna State government, and must provide passport photographs and bank statements reflecting at least ₦1 million. No cash deposit was required, though the bail sum would be forfeited if the accused jumped bail.
The case has been adjourned to October 6, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
Sultan was arrested on September 27 at Rigachikun, where DSS operatives said they recovered the social media handles allegedly linked to the offences, alongside digital footprints and payment records.
