BREAKING: Police Invite Journalist Babakura Aninigi Over Alleged Defamation After Criticising Niger State Lawmaker
The Niger State Police Command has invited journalist and political critic Babakura Aninigi for questioning over allegations of cybercrime, defamation of character and other related offences following his criticism of political leaders and governance in Paikoro Local Government Area.
The police invitation, dated October 16, 2026, was issued by the CP Monitoring Unit of the Niger State Police Command. Aninigi was directed to appear before the Commissioner of Police, through the officer in charge of the unit, on Monday, October 19, at 10:00 a.m. <Cite refs={[“turn789598view0”]}/>
According to the invitation letter, the police are investigating allegations involving cybercrime, defamation of character and other related offences in which the journalist was said to have featured prominently. The letter was signed by CSP Caroline E.C. Ugorji, officer in charge of the CP Monitoring Unit.
Aninigi disclosed the invitation in a Facebook post on Saturday, October 17, where he shared a copy of the letter and expressed his readiness to cooperate with the police investigation.
The journalist maintained that he would honour the invitation and present evidence to support his position. He also reiterated his commitment to accountability, transparency and good governance in Paikoro, where he is based.
“The game is on! We are law-abiding citizens, and we will honour the invitation and present all the necessary evidence to support our position,” Aninigi wrote in his Facebook post.
He further declared that his commitment to justice and good governance remained unchanged, ending his statement with the words: “PAIKORO FIRST! No intimidation, no compromise.” <Cite refs={[“turn789598view0”]}/>
The invitation comes amid concerns raised by a source familiar with the situation, who alleged that Aninigi had faced pressure following his criticism of the All Progressives Congress-led government in Niger State and his questions about the performance of elected representatives.
According to the source, the journalist has consistently called for accountability over campaign promises and governance issues affecting residents of Paikoro Local Government Area. The source argued that public officials should be prepared to answer questions about their performance and decisions.
The source also identified Umar Nasir Paiko, a member of the Niger State House of Assembly representing Paikoro Constituency, as one of the political figures whose performance had attracted Aninigi’s scrutiny.
Aninigi was reportedly questioning the lawmaker’s record and seeking clarification about the identity of a Facebook account operating under a pseudonym. The source alleged that the journalist suspected the account could be connected to the lawmaker, although that suspected connection has not been independently established.
The source further claimed that the journalist’s criticism and inquiries were followed by what it perceived as attempts to intimidate him through police involvement and the Criminal Investigation Department. These claims remain allegations and have not been independently verified.
“Babakura’s intention is to demand accountability and better representation for the people of Paikoro, not to engage in personal attacks,” the source said, according to the report.
The source also argued that elected officials should remain open to responsible criticism, particularly when questions concern public accountability, campaign commitments and the delivery of services to constituents. However, the precise statements or online publications that triggered the police investigation have not been disclosed in the invitation letter made available by Aninigi.
The case raises questions about the relationship between public criticism, freedom of expression and the use of law enforcement procedures in disputes involving political figures. Journalists and other citizens have a role in scrutinising public officials, while allegations of criminal conduct must be investigated in accordance with the law and established procedures.
An invitation to a police interview does not amount to a finding of guilt. The specific allegations against Aninigi remain unproven, and the outcome of the investigation will depend on the evidence examined by the authorities and any subsequent legal proceedings.
As of October 18, 2026, Aninigi had publicly indicated that he intended to honour the invitation and present evidence in support of his position. The police had not publicly detailed the specific statements or publications at the centre of the investigation in the invitation letter cited in the report.
Street News Reporters will continue to monitor developments in the case, including Aninigi’s appearance before the Niger State Police Command on October 19, any official clarification regarding the allegations and reactions from the journalist, the lawmaker and other relevant authorities.
