From Joseph Adahnu, Yola
The Adamawa State Police Command, has warned that freedom of expression on social media does not include the right to harass, intimidate or defame individuals and institutions.
The warning followed the arrest of a 31-year-old man, Buriba Israel, over alleged cyberbullying and criminal intimidation of First-Class Chiefs in the Numan Federation.
According to the Command, the suspect, an indigene of Jambutu in Yola South LGA, was arrested following a formal complaint and subsequent investigation into publications made from his Facebook account bearing his name, Buriba Israel.
In a statement issued on August 21, 2026, and signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Umar Hassan, the police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly circulated posts containing accusations against traditional rulers.
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The Command described the publications as “offensive and disparaging”, and capable of undermining the reputation and dignity of traditional institutions.
“Relevant electronic devices and other materials believed to be connected to the alleged offences have been recovered and are undergoing forensic examination as investigations continue,” the statement said.
The police stressed that while citizens have a constitutional right to freedom of expression, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
“The use of social media to harass, threaten, intimidate, defame or deliberately circulate harmful content against individuals or institutions will not be tolerated,” the Command warned.
CP Kabir Umar Hassan, directed that the case be thoroughly investigated and that the suspect be prosecuted if found culpable.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting the dignity of traditional institutions, maintaining public order, and preventing the misuse of digital platforms for cyberbullying, criminal intimidation and other unlawful activities.
He urged residents to use social media responsibly and to report any suspicious online activity to security agencies.
