In a move that has sparked controversy and accusations of political intimidation, the administration of Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has filed charges against opposition figure Attom Magira, the 2023 Borno Central Senatorial candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Magira was arrested and detained by the police in Borno State after his support group erected a billboard referring to him as “His Excellency”—a title traditionally reserved for sitting governors and high-ranking public officials.
Human Rights Lawyer Deji Adeyanju Blasts Zulum’s Actions
Renowned human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju took to social media to criticize the development, accusing Governor Zulum of orchestrating the arrest for political reasons.
> “Look at the embarrassing things Zulum is doing in Borno. He arrested an opposition guy because his support group put up a billboard for him, then drafted this childish charge against him after locking the man up for 10 days. Now, they’re planning to revoke his land too,” Adeyanju wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Charges Against Magira
According to court documents filed by the Attorney General of Borno State, Hauwa Abubakar Isa, and other state prosecutors, Magira was arraigned before the High Court of Justice, Borno State on charges bordering on false personation and inciting public disturbance.
The first charge alleges that Magira “falsely personated His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State” by featuring himself on a billboard with the title “HE Attom Muh’d Magira.” Prosecutors claim this act violates Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Borno State, 2023.
The second charge accuses him of inciting public disturbance by displaying a billboard with the inscription “SAY YES TO MERGER,” suggesting an alliance that the government claims could breach public peace. This is said to contravene Section 79 of the Penal Code Law of Borno State, 2023.
Adding to the legal battle, the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BOUPDB) issued a notice of revocation for a development permit previously granted to Magira. The agency, in a letter dated January 24, 2025, cited failure to comply with planning regulations as the reason for the permit’s withdrawal.
Signed by Tpl. Liman Gana Mustapha, General Manager of BOUPDB, the notice further ordered the demolition of an illegal fifth floor and a multi-purpose hall constructed by Magira without the necessary approvals.
The letter warned that if Magira failed to comply within seven days, the board would forcibly remove the structures and recover the costs from him.
The unfolding events have raised serious concerns among political observers, activists, and opposition figures, who see Magira’s prosecution and land revocation as an orchestrated attempt to silence dissent.
Critics argue that the charges are politically motivated, designed to intimidate opposition voices ahead of the next election cycle. Supporters of Governor Zulum, however, insist that the law must be upheld and that titles like “His Excellency” should be used responsibly to avoid misleading the public.
As the case moves forward, all eyes are on the Borno State judiciary to determine whether this is a genuine legal case or an abuse of power against political opposition.
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