A Kano magistrate's court has remanded popular TikTok celebrity Abubakar Kilina in custody following his arraignment on charges brought by the Kano State Censorship Board.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, spokesperson for the board, Kilina faces accusations of cross-dressing, using expletives, and displaying indecent behavior on social media platforms.
The Board contends that such content violates the moral and religious standards upheld by the state.
Court Proceedings and Remand
The case was heard at the No-Man's-Land Magistrate Court, where Kilina reportedly pleaded guilty to the charges. Barrister Garzali Maigari Bichi served as prosecutor.
Magistrate Hajiya Halima Wali, who presided over the case, ordered Kilina's remand from June 4 to 17, 2025, pending the court's final judgment.
Censorship Board's Position
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Censorship Board, Alhaji Abba El-Mustapha emphasized the agency's ongoing efforts to monitor and regulate online content that conflicts with the cultural values of the state.
"Offenders who use digital platforms to promote immorality shall be dealt with accordingly," El-Mustapha warned.
Broader Crackdown on Content Creators
Kilina's case represents part of a larger pattern of enforcement by the Kano State Censorship Board against online creators. Several TikTok personalities have faced prosecution for similar offenses in recent months.
Some of these cases have resulted in convictions, with penalties including fines and jail terms for those found guilty of creating content deemed inappropriate by state authorities.
The case highlights the increasing tension between digital expression and local cultural standards in northern Nigeria, as authorities intensify their scrutiny of social media content.
