The Minister of State for regional development, Uba Maigari, has firmly denied allegations suggesting he misappropriated ₦16.5 billion allocated for the reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai bridge in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Speaking in Jalingo through his lead lawyer, Ibrahim Effiong, the minister described the accusations as unfounded claims intentionally designed to mislead Nigerians.
He noted that the minister has already taken legal steps against the individual responsible for the allegations—a social media commentator identified as Abdulmumuni Imam—and stressed that those behind such fabrications must be held accountable.
Effiong maintained that Imam, despite making serious accusations, has refused to present any proof and has instead gone into hiding. He emphasised that issuing allegations without evidence is a punishable act under the Nigerian constitution as well as the Cybercrime Act, adding that pursuing legal redress has become necessary to discourage the growing spread of false statements online.
Imam had earlier raised an alarm via social media, alleging that the minister had quietly secured a security directive instructing the police, DSS, and civil defence to arrest him because he criticised the government’s handling of the collapsed Namnai bridge.
He further claimed that the Federal Executive Council had approved the funds for the urgent reconstruction of the structure.
What You Should Know
The controversy revolves around accusations that Minister Uba Maigari diverted funds meant for rebuilding the collapsed Namnai bridge in Taraba State.
The minister denies the allegations and has filed a lawsuit against Abdulmumuni Imam, the social media user who made the claims. His legal team insists that Imam provided no evidence and is now hiding, arguing that such baseless allegations violate Nigerian law and the Cybercrime Act.
Imam alleges that authorities were instructed to arrest him for criticizing the government’s inaction. The dispute highlights rising concerns over unverified statements circulating on social media.
