Nura Distin Claims Police Detention After Alleging Yobe Bank MD's Affair

Nura Distin, a journalist, has leveled serious accusations against Sheriff Almuhajir, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Yobe Microfinance Bank. Distin claims that Almuhajir leveraged his position and connections to ensure his arrest and subsequent remand in prison. This alleged action followed Distin's public assertions that the bank CEO was romantically involved with his wife, who is an employee at the institution. Almuhajir is reportedly a close associate and supporter of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni.

The journalist reportedly made these allegations via his social media platforms, asserting that Mr. Almuhajir had maintained a relationship with his wife both prior to and following their marriage. Distin further alleged that the bank chief facilitated his wife's promotion to a branch manager role while their purported affair was active. To substantiate these claims, Distin stated he had shared screenshots of conversations and other evidence on social media. However, SaharaReporters noted that these alleged materials were not discoverable on social media, suggesting they may have been removed.

Distin attributes the breakdown of his marriage and his subsequent separation from his spouse largely to this alleged relationship. He also accused Almuhajir of misusing his official capacity and purported political influence to retaliate against him once the allegations became public knowledge. Distin recounts that personnel from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Damaturu summoned him for interrogation, held him for four days, and later ensured his remand in a correctional facility.

Moreover, Distin claimed that Mr. Almuhajir often arranged superfluous official workshops and assignments, creating opportunities for his wife to accompany him and spend prolonged periods together, all under the pretext of official engagements. On June 30, Distin announced on Facebook that he had received an invitation from the police. He wrote, "I have been invited by the police, and I will honor the invitation peacefully and with a clear conscience. I remain committed to the truth, and nothing will distract me from the path of honesty and integrity." Following his report to the police, he posted again, stating, "We have done S.I.D Damaturu, we shall return by the grace of God."

With the situation intensifying, Distin affirmed his resolve against intimidation. His Facebook post read: "I was born to face fear, not to run from it. I face challenges with courage, and I strive to overcome them." He further declared, "I will never remain silent about anything that harms me. Just as money could not change my principles, neither will intimidation. No one should misuse the authority of the law to pressure someone into doing what they do not want to do. I will continue to stand by my convictions and pursue every matter through lawful and proper means."

The alleged detention of the journalist has drawn condemnation and support from various individuals. Distin's most recent Facebook updates were dated Tuesday, June 30. Sirdeeq Jagaban, a businessman and self-proclaimed friend of Distin, spoke out against the journalist's arrest, advocating for his immediate release. Jagaban stated on Facebook: "Nura Distin is my friend, and he is someone who knows the value of elders. He is an advocate calling for justice for the progress of the community and for the goal of bringing change. There is no reason he should be arrested without due process." He continued, "We will not sit back and watch them trying to intimidate our youths, because we are calling for justice and the rights of the community." Jagaban concluded by demanding, "Free Nura Distin." In a separate social media update, Jagaban offered prayers for Distin and encouraged supporters to remain steadfast despite the unfolding events.