A magistrate court in Kano State has sentenced popular TikTok creator Abubakar Usman Kilina to one year in prison for producing and sharing a video that the court described as promoting indecency.
The sentencing was delivered by Magistrate Hadiza Muhammad Hassan of Court No. 21.
The court, however, gave Kilina an option to avoid jail by paying a fine of ₦100,000. In addition, he was ordered to pay ₦30,000 as compensation to the Kano State Film and Censorship Board. The judge said the compensation was for “wasting the agency’s time.”
Conviction based on immoral content
Kilina, who is known for his short comedy and lifestyle videos on TikTok, landed in legal trouble after one of his skits featured cross-dressers and allegedly contained indecent language. According to Freedom Radio, the content creator was found guilty of violating public morals and promoting inappropriate behaviour through his online platform.
The case against him was filed by the Kano State Film Censorship Board, which monitors and regulates creative content in the state. The agency accused Kilina of encouraging behaviour that goes against the cultural and religious values of the community.
Court issues final warning
While delivering the judgment, Magistrate Hadiza did not hold back in her criticism. She warned Kilina to steer clear of future actions that may provoke legal consequences. She stressed that if he is caught again committing a similar offence, the court would not be lenient.
“This court is giving you a second chance,” she said. “But if you repeat this offense, you will serve the full sentence without the option of a fine.”
Background of the case
The case sparked public attention due to Kilina’s popularity on TikTok, where he commands a large following. His video, which led to his arrest and trial, was flagged by the Censorship Board for breaching decency standards. The board argued that his actions could influence young audiences and undermine traditional values in Kano, a state known for its strict moral code.
Kilina was arrested earlier this month and brought before the magistrate court shortly afterwards. During the trial, the prosecution presented video evidence and social media posts linked to the accused. Kilina reportedly pleaded for mercy and expressed regret over his actions.
Moral standards and censorship in Kano
Kano State operates under a dual legal system that includes both civil and Sharia laws. In recent years, the state government has taken a tough stance on public morality, especially on issues related to entertainment and social media. The Kano State Film and Censorship Board plays an active role in monitoring music videos, films, and online content to ensure they align with Islamic and cultural values.
This is not the first time a social media user in Kano has faced legal action over content deemed inappropriate. Several entertainers and content creators have been arrested in the past for what authorities describe as promoting indecency or attacking public morals.
Reactions and implications
The case has sparked mixed reactions online. Some social media users have criticised the court’s decision as harsh and an attack on freedom of expression. Others, however, have supported the judgment, saying it sends a strong message about the need to uphold community values.
Legal analysts believe the case could set a precedent for future actions against digital content creators in Northern Nigeria. They warn that content creators in the region may need to be more cautious in order to avoid legal issues.
As for Kilina, it remains to be seen whether he will pay the fine or serve the prison term. Either way, the judgment serves as a reminder of the growing tension between creative expression and censorship in Nigeria’s digital age.
