By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigeria Police Force has filed cybercrime charges against Kano-based cleric Sheikh Baffa Hotoro over alleged defamatory remarks against late Islamic scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi and Tijjaniyya cleric Sheikh Mannir Adam Koza. The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accuses the cleric of criminal intimidation, cyberstalking and inciting sectarian tension through viral social media videos. Prosecutors said the alleged offences occurred between 2024 and 2025, while the defendant failed to appear for arraignment on May 11, 2026.
Police File Six-Count Charge Against Cleric
The Inspector-General of Police filed the six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/87/2026 against Sheikh Baffa Hotoro.
The prosecution team includes M.K. Yahaya, R.N. Maigoro and A.I. Aminu from the Directorate of Legal Services, Police Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to court documents, the charges violate Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, amended in 2024.
The police accused the cleric of publishing false and offensive content through TikTok and Facebook videos.
Alleged Remarks Against Dahiru Bauchi and Mannir Koza
Court filings stated that Hotoro allegedly described both clerics as “Mushrik,” meaning polytheists or idol worshippers.
In one Hausa-language viral video, he allegedly said:
“I swear by Allah, Munir Koza is among the people that Allah disapproved of their visit to the Sacred House of Allah.”
He also allegedly claimed that late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was among people forbidden from entering the Ka’aba in Makkah.
Investigators said the remarks could provoke sectarian violence and disturb public peace among followers of the Tijjaniyya movement.
Previous Arrest and Apology
The Department of State Services reportedly arrested Hotoro on May 19, 2023, after complaints from the Kano State Government and members of the public.
Authorities accused him of making derogatory comments against Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi.
Following the arrest, a video surfaced online showing the cleric apologising to the late scholar, his family and followers.
However, prosecutors claimed he later released fresh videos after the death of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi in November 2025.
Court Proceedings and Failure to Appear
The Federal High Court in Abuja scheduled the arraignment for May 11, 2026.
However, the proceedings did not continue because the defendant failed to appear in court.
Court records indicated that authorities properly served him with court documents before the hearing.
Legal practitioner Garba Mohammed said the court could issue a bench warrant if it confirms deliberate refusal to appear.
Petitioners Demand Legal Action
The case followed petitions dated July 19, 2024, and December 10, 2025.
Barrister M. M. Nasir filed the petitions on behalf of Sheikh Koza and the family of the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi.
The petitioners argued that the cleric’s repeated statements could incite unrest and emotionally destabilise millions of followers.
They also accused him of mocking security agencies through social media posts while under investigation.
Part of the petition read:
“They rely on the Nigeria Police Force to urgently address this matter to prevent escalation.”
Islamic Scholars React to the Case
Several Islamic scholars across Northern Nigeria described the legal action as an important step toward sanitising Islamic preaching.
Islamic cleric Ustaz Muhammad Sagir said preachers should avoid declaring fellow Muslims as unbelievers without justification.
Similarly, Malam Yusuf al-Maliky said the case could improve relations between Islamic sects.
Another scholar, Sheikh Husain Kasim, urged security agencies to act against clerics promoting personal attacks instead of religious guidance.
Lawyers Commend Peaceful Approach
Some legal practitioners praised the complainants for choosing legal action instead of violence.
Barrister Ibrahim Ahmad Kabir said religious matters remain highly sensitive in Northern Nigeria.
He noted that peaceful legal processes would help preserve public order and reduce tensions.
Who Was Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi?
Late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi died on November 25, 2025.
He remained one of Nigeria’s most influential Islamic scholars and led millions of Tijjaniyya followers across West Africa.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Mannir Adam Koza continues to command a strong nationwide following within the movement.
