By Abdul Mohammed Lawal.
In Nigeria, politics doesn’t take a break. Immediately after an election, political scheming begins again, and oddly, the years between elections often feel more intense than the campaigns themselves.
At both federal and state levels, political appointees and actors often engage in a quiet, fierce competition. It’s not always about public service, but about who becomes more “relevant” in the eyes of their bosses, who can influence decisions or even decide who gets the next ticket. But not everyone in the leadership space is a partisan politician.
Unfortunately, many of these players see everyone else as a threat. And in their struggle to stay ahead, they often turn to dangerous tactics even when they are, in fact, the only ones playing the game.
One of their tools is propaganda. They weaponise social media to build false narratives and discredit others. In the process, innocent individuals get caught in the crossfire, trapped in half-truths and rumours. Some end up in real trouble, while those who stirred the hornet’s nest quietly step aside, empowering their loyalists to keep the fire burning. This is not to help the victims, but to further their own goals.
It’s a beautiful time we are in.
This brings us to the case of a young man in Lokoja, Abdulhameed, who has now spent several months in detention. His story is a perfect example of how political games can ruin lives, especially when played with carelessness and disguised activism.
I decided to write this because, unlike many who have jumped on the bandwagon, I took the time to investigate. I spoke with people who have firsthand knowledge. I received screenshots and links to online posts filled with strong allegations, all based on hearsay. Below is an excerpt from one such post made on 2nd February:
“BUT TRUTH BE TOLD, WHY ONLY ACCOUNTANT GENERAL, HAJIYA HABITAT??? ‘see something, say something’ is my other name.
MUMMY HABIBAT, plz allow your colleagues in the same government BREATH IN PEACE. You are like a big masquerade to them, no atom of REGARDS to anybody most especially the LOCAL GOV’T EXECUTIVE CHAIRMEN in Kogi State. You address them like little children when they appear before you.
THEY ARE DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED PLEASE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, not an appointee as you are. Stop acting SUPERIOR, BOSS on government officials… If truly you are interfering in other office affairs ahead of yours, be applying decorum because none of them are kids that you talk to them anyhow, creating unnecessary tension among the cabinet members..
We have had plenty of State AGs before you and you won’t remain there forever.
95% OF KOGITES ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT YOU MADAM AG, we are not pleased with your leadership except for FAWWAS…”
This and similar posts triggered the person being accused to file a petition with the Nigerian Police. She demanded to know the source of these accusations. Abdulhameed was invited for questioning and later detained.
From what I gathered, he told the police that he had never met Hajiya Habibat, nor did he hold any government office, aside from being a member of the APC. When asked for the source of his claims or whether he was acting on someone’s orders, he reportedly gave no clear answer. He was charged to court the next day and has remained in custody ever since. Maybe it was a failed attempt to attract attention from government actors, or perhaps someone actually sent him.
What’s sad now is how his case has been hijacked by online politicians-turned-activists and media influencers tied to various political figures. They use his story, not necessarily to help him but to drive political interests.
When I made contact to get my facts right, both from individuals close to the Accountant General and the police, I can categorically tell you that this is simply a case of someone answering to a petition against him, not about the person he accused. Do I want him out of detention? Yes. Do I support the way his so-called supporters have gone about it? Hell no. In fact, I believe this case has remained where it is because of the games they decided to start playing with it.
So, if you belong to that category of people, here are some serious questions:
Since Abdulhameed was detained, how many of these “social media activists” have visited him or inquired about the actual charges?
How many have spoken with his family or legal team to help secure bail?
He surely has political associations, why hasn’t any known leader stepped forward to mediate or appeal to the complainant?
And those constantly shouting online, have you tried talking to your own political leaders who could use their influence to seek his release?
If your online insults and attacks were effective, wouldn’t he be out by now?
Let’s be honest, what do we really want with this boy? Is this about compassion, or just another political performance? Politics should never be about using people’s pain. If you truly care, what are your political leaders doing for the boy, or is he just a character in your propaganda script?
