A Facebook video claiming that bandits abducted a Sharia judge in Katsina State during a court hearing in 2026 is misleading, according to a fact-check by DUBAWA. The incident, which occurred in Bauren Zakat Village, Safana Local Government Area, actually took place in May 2021, not 2026.
Viral Video Sparks Concern
The video, shared by a Facebook page called Agbama Dynasty, alleged that a judge named Samaila Husseini was abducted while presiding over a court session. The narrator claimed: "One Samaila Husseini, a Shariah judge, was presiding over a Shariah case in Bauren Zakat Village in Safana Local Government of Katsina State. Bandits decided to do their own bandit law on him. Oo, broke into the court, picked this guy, took him to the bush to do bandit law."
By August 3, 2026, the post had amassed approximately 5,000 reactions, 141 comments, 522 shares, and 160 bookmarks. Many commenters took the claim at face value, with some expressing approval. Jacob Moses wrote, "Good, this is Nigeria." Ajirngee Charles said, "Good one, they are the cause of everything." Others like Raphael Part called it "Good news ever," and Nkechi Jerry commented, "Very good."
Fact-Checkers Investigate
The high engagement prompted DUBAWA to investigate. Keyword searches found no recent credible media reports matching the video's details. Instead, fact-checkers discovered that on July 30, 2026, suspected bandits attacked a Sharia court in Gwarjo, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. In that incident, the presiding judge, Mohammed Mukhtar, escaped through a back window before gunmen entered the premises. The attackers fired shots and threatened to return but did not abduct or harm him. This incident was covered by Daily Trust, The Guardian, Leadership News, Tribune, and other outlets.
Because the July 2026 attack did not match the location or details in the Facebook video, investigators searched further and traced the content to a confirmed incident from May 18, 2021. On that date, armed bandits entered a Sharia court in Bauren Zakat Village, Safana Local Government Area, and abducted the presiding judge, Husaini Sama'ila, during an active court session. Eyewitnesses at the time confirmed the attackers took the judge from the premises.
Verdict: Misleading
The 2021 abduction did happen, but the Facebook page shared the video without any indication of when it occurred, leading viewers to believe the incident was recent. DUBAWA concluded that the claim is misleading. The abduction of a Sharia judge in Bauren Zakat Village is a verified event, but it took place in May 2021, not 2026. The recent bandit attack in Katsina involved a separate court in Matazu Local Government Area, where the judge escaped without being harmed.
This fact-check highlights the importance of verifying viral claims, especially those involving security incidents. Misinformation can spread quickly, causing unnecessary panic and confusion. DUBAWA's investigation serves as a reminder to always check the date and source of such videos before sharing them.
