Mon. May 25th, 2026
Spread the love

Ruqaiya Aliyu Jibia, a Katsina-based journalist, has accused Gambo Isah, Public Relations Officer of the Katsina State Police Command, of assaulting her.

Jibia, in a video posted on her Tiktok page @rukkyjibia on Thursday, said she challenged the police for branding and parading young girls as prostitutes without a court verdict.

She said she recorded a Tiktok video condemning the move by the police, and demanding adherence to constitutional provisions. Isah called her a day after the video was published, and dubbed her a criminal.

READ ALSO: After Flogging Woman in 2020, Police Ignored Court Order to Pay Her ₦5m Compensation

She said he invited her to the palace of an emir, whose name she did not disclose, but before she got to his palace, Isah and his policemen ambushed her, beat her and dragged her to the palace where he would get the blessing of the emir to prosecute her.

@rukkyjibia ♬ original sound – Girls Angle

In Thursday’s video, Jibia said, “Few days back, the Nigerian police, Katsina State Command, paraded four suspects, young ladies between the ages of 19 and 21, claiming that they were into prostitution.

“Upon seeing that video, I recorded a Tiktok video on my personal Tiktok page where I quoted a section in Nigeria’s constitution, and suggested to the police that they should have taken the girls to court, until they have [sic] been proven guilty before they are [sic] paraded to the press.

“The next day, I received a call from the PPRO, Gambo Isah, inviting me to the emir’s palace. I was on my way to the emir’s palace when Gambo Isah and his boys came with four cars, blocked my way, dragged me out of my car, and they broke my phone. I sustained injuries. They dragged me to the emir’s palace.

READ ALSO: Court Document Reveals How Police Frustrated Trial of Deborah Samuel’s ‘Killers’

“Upon reaching the emir’s palace, Gambo Isah then narrated to the emir that I was responsible for looking down on the police and undermining their authority. He said I was also responsible for sabotaging their work, and the emir asked Isah to remand me.

“When I was taken to court, fortunately the Kadi (presiding judge) was not around. It was late, so I was taken to Area Command. After spending about five hours, my lawyer could secure my bail. I was asked to come back the next day.

“The next day, I went back and wrote my statement. I was asked again to come back the next day, which is today. I went there around 11 am this morning, and I was hoping that I would be taken to court. Unfortunately, the Area Commander told me that I would be taken to the police headquarters.

“My lawyer was not there at the time, I was so scared because of what happened between Gambo Isah and I the other day; he assaulted me. I was so I ran for my life. I am in hiding now because I know that my life is in danger now because the police are after me.

“I hope I would be granted justice because I was humiliated, and I was assaulted by the police.”

Reacting via Twitter, Isah accused Jibia of attacking the police on regular occasions.

Gambo Isah’s tweet

He said, “My attention has been drawn to frivolous allegations made by one Ruqayya on TikTok. At the beginning I have no intentions of joining issues with her since I believe she is looking for cheap popularity to gain followers through her social media handles, especially the TikTok.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I want to set the records straight. Ruqayya has been using her social media handles to maliciously attack the Nigeria Police Force.”

Ojukwu is a reporter with ringroad.com.ng search engine in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe.
The post VIDEO.I.NG Watch Movies – For ‘Demanding Due Process’, Katsina PPRO Drag Journalist Before Emir, Brand Her ‘Criminal’ appeared first on Foundation For Investigative Journalism.

By 9jabook

You missed

From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.