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.
The invitation, dated October 16, 2026, was issued by the CP Monitoring Unit of the Niger State Police Command and directed Aninigi to appear before the Commissioner of Police through the officer in charge of the unit on Monday, October 19, at 10:00 a.m.
According to the letter, the police are investigating a case of alleged cybercrime, defamation of character and other related offences in which Aninigi was said to have featured prominently.
The letter, signed by CSP Caroline E.C. Ugorji, officer in charge of the CP Monitoring Unit, requested his appearance for an interview as part of the investigation.
Aninigi disclosed the invitation in a Facebook post on Saturday, sharing a copy of the police letter and expressing his readiness to cooperate with the authorities.
“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,” he wrote.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to accountability and good governance in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, where he is based.
“Keep your eyes on the game! It is getting sweeter. We stand firmly for accountability, transparency, and a better Paikoro. Our commitment to justice and good governance remains unshaken,” Aninigi stated.
He ended his post with the declaration: “PAIKORO FIRST! No intimidation, no compromise.”
Aninigi’s invitation comes amid concerns raised by a source familiar with the situation, who alleged that the journalist had faced pressure following his criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in Niger State and his questions about the performance of elected representatives.
The source described Aninigi as a political critic who had consistently called for accountability over campaign promises and governance issues affecting residents of Paikoro.
According to the source, Aninigi had also raised concerns about the performance of Umar Nasir Paiko, a member of the Niger State House of Assembly representing Paikoro Constituency.
The source further alleged that Aninigi had questioned the identity of a Facebook account operating under a pseudonym, which the source suspected could be linked to the lawmaker.
The source claimed that Aninigi’s criticism and questions had been followed by what the source perceived as attempts to intimidate him through the police and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
“Babakura’s intention is to demand accountability and better representation for the people of Paikoro, not to engage in personal attacks,” the source said.
The source added that public officials should be open to scrutiny and constructive criticism when such criticism is made responsibly and in the public interest.
The circumstances surrounding the police investigation, including the specific statements or online publications that prompted the allegations of cybercrime and defamation, were not detailed in the invitation letter made available by Aninigi.
The police invitation does not establish that Aninigi committed any offence, and the allegations against him remain unproven.
Aninigi, however, maintained in his Facebook post that he would honour the invitation and present evidence to support his position.