The Nigeria Police Force has filed six cybercrime charges against a Kano-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Adam Zubair Adam, known as Baffa Hotoro, over alleged criminal defamation and intimidation of two prominent scholars: the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi and Sheikh Mannir Adam Koza.
The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, fall under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 (as amended in 2024). The case, numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/87/2026 and dated 10 May 2026, lists the Inspector General of Police as complainant and Sheikh Hotoro as defendant.
The cleric, arrested and granted bail in February 2026, was due to be arraigned on 11 May 2026. However, the hearing did not proceed as he failed to appear in court, despite evidence that he had been properly served with court documents.
Background to the dispute
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, who died on 25 November 2025, was a revered Tijjaniya movement leader with millions of followers across Nigeria and West Africa. Sheikh Mannir Koza is a prominent young Tijjaniya scholar. Sheikh Hotoro, a Salafi cleric known for controversial statements, has previously attacked Sufi scholars and fellow Wahabi clerics.
On 18 June 2024, Hotoro allegedly made slanderous remarks in a viral Hausa-language video, swearing by God that both scholars were polytheists and idolaters, and claiming they were banned from entering the Ka’aba in Makkah.
In May 2023, the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested Hotoro over similar comments against Sheikh Bauchi, after which he issued a public apology. However, following the sheikh’s death in November 2025, Hotoro allegedly released another video making derogatory statements about the late scholar, prompting fresh petitions from the deceased’s family and Sheikh Koza.
The six charges
The charges include cybercrime offences under the 2015 Act, as well as breaches of the Penal Code Act (Sections 114 and 393), relating to public insult, breach of peace, and making false statements intended to harm reputations.
Legal and community reaction
The petitions were filed by Barrister M.M. Nasir on behalf of Sheikh Koza, and Malam Naziru Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi for the late cleric’s family. They warned that the comments could incite unrest and destabilise millions of followers.
Several Islamic scholars from both Sufi and Salafi traditions welcomed the legal action. Ustaz Muhammad Sagir described it as a “landmark case” that would sanitise preaching practices and reduce sectarian tensions. Sheikh Husain Kasim called on security agencies to act swiftly against clerics who breach their sacred mandate.
Legal practitioners also praised the complainants for pursuing legal redress rather than mob action. Lawyer Garba Mohammed noted that a bench warrant could be issued against the defendant if the court finds he deliberately avoided appearance.
Cleric declines to comment
At the time of reporting, Sheikh Hotoro had not responded to text or WhatsApp messages from Elanza News seeking his comment on his non-appearance in court.
