Kogi State Government has confirmed the remand of a middle-aged man, Abdulhamid Deflowerboy, over alleged defamation of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Deflowerboy was accused of authoring and circulating defamatory publications targeting the governor. Following these allegations, the police invited him for questioning, which eventually led to his arraignment in court and subsequent remand by judicial order.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, while reacting to the development, affirmed that the government is pursuing the matter strictly within the bounds of the law.
He stated that the state government had formally petitioned the Commissioner of Police to investigate the allegations and invite the accused to substantiate his claims.
“Abdulhamid, also known as Deflowerboy, honoured the police invitation and, during interrogation, confessed to being the author of the defamatory publication,” Fanwo disclosed. “He was thereafter charged to court, where a competent court of jurisdiction ordered his remand.”
Fanwo dismissed circulating reports suggesting that Deflowerboy was being detained without trial, describing them as false, misleading, and intended to deceive the public.
He emphasised that defamation remains a criminal offence under Nigerian law and should not be misconstrued as a mere expression of free speech.
“Defamation can ruin reputations painstakingly built over decades and subject innocent individuals to public disgrace,” he stated.
The commissioner further accused certain disgruntled political elements of manipulating Deflowerboy to smear Governor Ododo’s reputation. He alleged that these individuals, who previously benefited from the politics of patronage, are struggling to adapt to the administration’s focus on public welfare over private interests.
“This administration, led by His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has earned the trust of Kogi people through massive investments in road construction, educational facilities, healthcare, erosion control, agriculture, and power supply,” Fanwo stated.
He also highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants, pensioners, and the youth through bursaries and free education initiatives.
Fanwo concluded that the state government remains determined to protect its officials from malicious attacks and will continue to pursue legal avenues against any form of defamation.