Skit Maker Assaulted by Senate Minority Leader's Wife for Speaking Out

Senator's Wife Accused of Assaulting Comedian Over Criticism of Husband's Performance

The skit seemingly struck a nerve, particularly with Hajia Fatima Lau...

Wife of Senate Minority Leader assaults comedian for criticizing husband's handling of infrastructure and healthcare in his district.

Nafiu Hassan, a popular skit maker, was recently arrested and detained by the Taraba State police command for several days. But what led to his arrest? It all started when Hassan released a skit criticizing the deplorable condition of roads in the senatorial district, highlighting the dangers they pose to residents.

The skit seemingly struck a nerve, particularly with Hajia Fatima Lau, wife of Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, who represents Taraba North and serves as the Deputy Senate Minority Leader for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On Wednesday, November 6, Hajia Fatima Lau spotted Hassan near her residence and promptly called the police from the GRA Division in Jalingo to have him arrested.

This incident raises concerns about freedom of expression and the powers that be silencing critics. It's not the first time a comedian has faced backlash for their content. Recall the case of The Cute Abiola, a naval personnel and comedian, who was arrested by the Nigerian Navy for violating the Armed Forces Social Media Policy.

Pointers:

Arrest and Detention: Nafiu Hassan was arrested and detained for several days

Reason for Arrest: Hassan released a skit criticizing the poor condition of roads in the senatorial district

Senator's Wife Involvement: Hajia Fatima Lau ordered Hassan's arrest after spotting him near her residence

Police Involvement: Police from the GRA Division in Jalingo carried out the arrest

This incident has sparked outrage, with many calling for Hassan's release and an end to the harassment of artists and critics.

Hajia Fatima Lau, the wife of Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, publicly confronted Nafiu Hassan, a skit maker, accusing him of cyberstalking and criminal character assassination. The altercation reportedly created a scene as she addressed the matter. Hassan had previously released a skit criticizing the poor condition of roads in the senatorial district, which may have prompted the accusation.

Following the confrontation, Hassan was arrested and detained. Sources claim he was subjected to mistreatment during his detention, which lasted until his release on Sunday, November 10. This incident raises concerns about freedom of expression and the potential for individuals in positions of power to silence critics.

Consequences of Cyberstalking and Defamation

In Nigeria, cyberstalking and defamation can have serious consequences. Those found guilty of cyberstalking can face imprisonment for up to 10 years and/or a fine of N25 million. Defamation, whether online or offline, can also lead to damages, injunctive relief, and even imprisonment.

Legal Remedies for Victims

Victims of cyberstalking, defamation, and invasion of privacy have several options for seeking justice, including:

Petitioning Government Agencies: National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) 

Filing a Fundamental Human Rights Action: Under section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN), 1999

Filing an Action for Defamation: Under the law of torts.

A source said, ”Nafiu Hassan made a video about a month ago about bad roads and dilapidated health facilities in Taraba North. However, this video led to his arrest last Wednesday and he was detained till Sunday,” a source said.

“He was arrested by the police on the orders of the Senator's wife. Nafiu was passing through the Senator's street while the wife, Hajia Lau, was about to enter her residence in Old Commissioner Quarters in Jalingo.

“So, she saw him and created a scene knowing he was the one that made a video about bad roads and dilapidated healthcare facilities in her husband's village. She termed that as defamation of character and then ordered policemen attached to her to immediately arrest him.

“These officers in her convoy then started beating him. Then they took him in their Hilux to GRA Division Jalingo and his bail was denied. He was however released on Sunday. He was accused of character defamation and criminal conspiracies, which are all null and void.”

It appears that Hajia Fatima Lau, the wife of Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, has a history of using her influence to detain individuals. According to reports, this isn't the first time she's instructed security operatives to take people into custody. In fact, sources claim that she's done this at least five times before, with one incident involving two boys who were detained for three weeks after allegedly touching her convoy vehicle. Additionally, she's also accused of ordering soldiers to beat up 10 people who visited her husband at home, simply because she didn't like one of them. These allegations raise serious concerns about the misuse of power and the potential for human rights abuses.

He said, “This is the fifth time this woman is maltreating people in this state. There was an incident of two boys passing around Mayo-Gwoi. Her convoy was passing by at the time and one of the boys mistakenly touched the car leading her convoy which was moving slowly due to traffic.

“It wasn't the car she was inside but one of the cars in her convoy; however, out of annoyance, she called the police to arrest the boy and he was detained for three weeks.

“The same woman ordered soldiers to beat about 10 people who went to see her husband at home. She sent them away, claiming there was one person out of them she did not like.

“They were exchanging words with her and then she informed soldiers to assault them. Guess what, they followed all the individuals to their homes and beat them mercilessly. These are the ones I can recall for now but there are more than those two cases. There are many cases linked to this same woman. There are others more deadly than them. But sadly, no one to stand victims.”

This incident comes on the heels of a shocking viral video where House of Representatives member Alex Ikwechegh was caught on camera physically assaulting Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya. The disturbing clip sparked widespread outrage, highlighting concerns about abuse of power and violence against civilians.