A well-known TikTok influencer, Abubakar Kilina, has been remanded in custody by a magistrate’s court in Kano over allegations of promoting indecent behavior and cross-dressing on social media.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, spokesperson for the Kano State Censorship Board, Kilina was charged with acts considered to be against the moral and religious values of the state. These include cross-dressing, vulgar language, and behavior deemed inappropriate for public consumption.
The charges were brought before the No-Man’s-Land Magistrate Court, where Kilina appeared and pleaded guilty. Barrister Garzali Maigari Bichi led the prosecution while Magistrate Hajiya Halima Wali presided over the case. The court ordered Kilina to be remanded in custody from June 4 to June 17, 2025, pending further court pronouncement.
Speaking on the matter, Alhaji Abba El-Mustapha, Executive Secretary of the Censorship Board, emphasized that the agency would continue to monitor and regulate online content that violates cultural norms. He warned that individuals who use digital platforms to promote immorality or social deviance would face legal consequences.
“This case sends a clear message to all content creators in Kano and beyond. Any attempt to promote indecency, cross-dressing, or immoral acts using social media will not go unpunished,” El-Mustapha stated.
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Kilina’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown by the Kano State Censorship Board, which has been actively prosecuting social media influencers for violating community standards. In recent months, several TikTok personalities have been fined or imprisoned for creating and sharing content considered offensive or culturally inappropriate.
The case has sparked widespread debate online, with some supporting the state's firm stance on morality and culture, while others argue it infringes on personal freedom and expression.
The court is expected to deliver a formal judgment on June 17, 2025, which could set a precedent for future cases involving digital content regulation in northern Nigeria.
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