A Nigerian journalist, Zuhair Ali Ibraheem, who serves as the editor of Albishir Hausa Newspaper, has been arrested and remanded in a Katsina State prison over an investigative report exposing an alleged ₦30 million debt scandal involving a local councillor, Nuhu Ali of Doro Ward in Bindawa Local Government Area.
The arrest was confirmed to SaharaReporters by the journalist’s brother, who condemned the development as “a gross abuse of power” and an attempt to silence independent journalism in the state. “They want to intimidate him because he exposed the truth,” he added.
According to the family source, Ibraheem was apprehended in Zaria, Kaduna State, last Monday by police officers allegedly acting under the instructions of Councillor Nuhu.
The arrest is believed to be directly connected to a recent investigative report that uncovered the councillor’s dealings.
The controversial story, published by Leadership Hausa Online on September 7, detailed how Councillor Nuhu allegedly borrowed ₦30 million from a businessman, Alhaji Ibrahim Bindawa, claiming the funds were for a “special assignment” related to Governor Dikko Radda. However, the councillor reportedly failed to repay the money.
The family further alleged that Councillor Nuhu began threatening the businessman after securing the funds. “He boasted that as an elected official, no one could hold him accountable,” the source said.
The article featured accusations from Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’adu, who stated that the councillor had “betrayed his trust by pocketing the funds.”
Before publishing the report, Zuhair Ibraheem had reportedly reached out to the councillor for his response, but received none.
Despite this effort to balance the story, the police acted on a petition from the councillor and moved forward with an arrest.
On Thursday, a Magistrate Court II in Katsina ordered the journalist’s remand following a police application.
The move has been widely criticised by press freedom advocates and family members, who describe it as a deliberate attempt to muzzle dissent and prevent scrutiny of public officials.
Efforts to resolve the matter amicably were initially made by several influential figures, including Governor Dikko Radda’s political adviser, Alhaji Shafi’i Duwan; House of Representatives member Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim Jargaba; and analyst Malam Danjuma Katsina. However, the councillor allegedly backed out of a truce and insisted on pressing charges.