Nigeria Police Arrest Activist Imam Over Criticism Of Taraba Relief Distribution After Petition By SEMA Boss Audu
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested activist Abdulmumin Imam in Taraba State following a petition filed by the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Echuseh Audu.
The arrest follows a series of social media posts by Imam, in which he accused SEMA leadership of diverting and selling massive quantities of relief materials intended for vulnerable citizens and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Core Allegations
Imam's viral posts alleged a significant scandal involving the diversion of state-purchased aid:
Diverted Goods: Over 10,000 bags of rice and more than 1,000 cartons of groundnut oil.
Illegal Sale: The activist claimed these materials were transported via heavy-duty trailers and sold outside of Taraba State for personal profit.
SEMA Response and Police Action
Dr. Echuseh Audu has vehemently denied the claims, describing them as baseless and damaging to the agency’s reputation and relationship with donor organizations.
Legal Charges: The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is investigating Imam for cyberbullying, criminal defamation, and criminal intimidation.
The Invitation: Police initially invited Imam to appear before investigators on April 1, 2026, after which he was reportedly taken into custody.
Political Context
The SEMA boss challenged her accusers to provide verifiable documentary evidence, noting that moving such a high volume of goods would require logistics that are easily traceable.
| Key Figure | Role | Action Taken |
| Abdulmumin Imam | Activist/Accuser | Arrested for defamation and cyberbullying |
| Dr. Echuseh Audu | Executive Secretary, SEMA | Filed petition; submitted self for probe |
| Idoko James Oche | ACP, SCID | Signed the invitation and investigation order |
