A journalist, Nura Distin, has accused the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Yobe Microfinance Bank, Sheriff Almuhajir, of using his influence to have him detained and remanded in prison after publicly alleging that the bank chief had a romantic relationship with his wife, an employee of the bank.
Distin claimed that Almuhajir, who is said to be an ally of Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, maintained the alleged relationship with his wife before and after their marriage. He further alleged that the bank CEO promoted his wife to the position of branch manager while the alleged affair was ongoing.
According to Distin, he shared screenshots of chats and other materials on social media as evidence of his claims. However, the materials were no longer available at the time of reporting, suggesting they may have been deleted.
The journalist alleged that the affair played a major role in the collapse of his marriage and eventual separation from his wife.
He also accused Almuhajir of abusing his office and political connections to retaliate against him after the allegations became public. Distin said officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Damaturu invited him for questioning, detained him for four days, and later secured his remand in prison.
Distin further alleged that the bank CEO frequently organized unnecessary official workshops and assignments to enable his wife travel with him and spend extended periods together under the guise of official duties.
On June 30, Distin disclosed on Facebook that he had received a police invitation, stating that he would honor it peacefully while remaining committed to the truth.
After reporting to the police, he posted, “We have done S.I.D Damaturu, we shall return by the grace of God.”
As the matter escalated, Distin maintained that he would not be intimidated, insisting that he would continue to pursue the matter through lawful means.
His arrest has since drawn reactions from supporters. A businessman, Sirdeeq Jagaban, described Distin as a friend and called for his immediate release, arguing that there was no justification for his arrest without due process.
Jagaban also urged authorities not to intimidate young people advocating for justice, ending his message with the call: “Free Nura Distin.”
