Samuel Bature, popularly known as Samuel Samuel II, a social commentator, appeared before the High Court in Jos today after spending more than a week in police custody. His alleged crime? Criticising Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, including claims of misinformation surrounding the purchase of a luxury vehicle.
Philemon Daffi, the Plateau State Attorney General, who also serves as Commissioner for Justice, has charged Mr Bature with defamation and cyberstalking under the controversial Cybercrime Act of 2015. The same law has been criticised at the national level for being used to silence journalists and stifle dissent. Mr. Bature has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the court has adjourned the hearing until Friday, October 4. Meanwhile, he remains in detention pending the outcome of his bail application.

Amnesty International and other human rights groups have condemned Mr Bature’s detention, calling it a violation of his right to free expression. “Criticism is not a crime, and the authorities must respect and uphold the right to freedom of speech,” Amnesty International said in a statement.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has also accused Mutfwang’s administration of suppressing opposition voices.
This case mirrors a pattern seen on the national stage, where the Cybercrime Act has been used to stifle journalists and critics. On May 4, Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was arrested by the Nigerian Police Force and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lagos, and later at the Threat Response Unit, National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja, where he was held for 10 days before being released amid protests and widespread criticism.
Ojukwu faced allegations of violating the Cybercrime Act after publishing a report accusing Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, a government official responsible for advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, of diverting public funds to a restaurant in Abuja.
Supporters of Governor Mutfwang argue that while freedom of speech is important, it does not extend to the defamation of character. However, the increasing use of the Cybercrime Act to target critics, from journalists to commentators like Samuel, raises concerns about the shrinking space for free expression in Nigeria.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Mutfwang, through Daffi’s office, has prosecuted a critic. Previously, Gamka Husseni was tried for accusing a commissioner in the administration of misappropriating Hajj slots.
Opposition members also express concern that the administration’s close ties with the Plateau State chapter of the National Union of Journalists—whose former chairman now serves as Mutfwang’s spokesperson, along with several other members among his over 204 appointed media aides—may undermine accountability.
Wow. It is well with us