The clip, which had previously circulated online, was allegedly reposted by Dr. Abubakar and deemed offensive by Shamsuddeen, leading to the lecturer’s detention.

Dr. Abubakar Ahmad, a lecturer at the Federal College of Horticulture, Gombe State, is reportedly in critical condition while being held at a correctional facility after he was remanded by court order for sharing a viral video of Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, the son of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

The embattled academician was arrested by operatives of the Nigerian police and arraigned before a court for allegedly reposting an old video of Shamsuddeen dancing with his wife on social media. 

The clip, which had previously circulated online, was allegedly reposted by Dr. Abubakar and deemed offensive by Shamsuddeen, leading to the lecturer’s detention.

A family source who spoke with SaharaReporters on Tuesday revealed that Dr. Abubakar's health had worsened while in custody.

 The source explained that Dr Abubakar's condition was now critical, adding that he had already seen a doctor at the correctional center, and some medications and injections were prescribed.

The family has reportedly dispatched someone to purchase the prescribed drugs to support his treatment in detention.

Dr. Ahmad’s detention and declining health have generated concerns over freedom of expression and the treatment of detainees. 

The source said, "I just received a call from Dr. Abubakar’s mother informed me that he was not feeling well in the correctional center. 

"He has already seen a doctor there, and some drugs and injections have been prescribed for him.

"The family has sent someone to buy the medications, but I felt it was important to inform you about his health situation," the source added.

SaharaReporters previously reported that Dr Abubakar Ahmad, a lecturer at the Federal College of Horticulture in Gombe State, developed a life-threatening health condition while in detention over a social media post involving Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, the son of the Bauchi State governor.

SaharaReporters had reported that Dr. Ahmad has been in detention for two weeks following his arrest by the Nigerian police on the orders of Shamsuddeen.

A source, Bashir Limanci, close to the matter said that Ahmad, who is currently held in a correctional facility in Bauchi, is suffering from acute malaria and has become severely emaciated.

 "He barely eats and his condition is rapidly deteriorating. He is terribly emaciated and needs urgent medical help.

"We call on the Bauchi State government to ensure this young man is given access to medical assistance as he continues to fight for his freedom. This man is going through a lot in detention, and his plight should concern all of us as citizens," Limanci had said.

The lecturer was arrested after reposting a video on Facebook that shows a couple dancing — a clip that has been circulating online for several years and shared by many others.

However, Ahmad was singled out for sharing the clip.

His family has urged the Bauchi State government to intervene and ensure he receives urgent medical care.

There has been growing concern among rights groups over the continued detention of individuals for social media-related offences in Nigeria, particularly when such detention is accompanied by allegations of poor prison conditions and neglect.

Shamsuddeen filed a direct criminal complaint alleging defamation, injurious falsehood, and criminal intimidation under the Bauchi State Penal Code Law (2022).

Ahmad was arrested after honouring a police invitation and has since been remanded in prison.

His case has been adjourned until July 9, 2025, while his legal team pursues a judicial review before the Bauchi State Chief Judge.

The incident has sparked public outcry. Groups like the Take-It-Back Movement have condemned the arrest as an abuse of legal power and a threat to free speech, calling it a misuse of the judiciary to settle personal scores.

His family, including his mother and wife, have made emotional appeals to Governor Bala Mohammed to intervene and secure his release, citing their long-standing support for the governor and the ruling party.

Shamsudeen had disabled the comment section of his Facebook page following a revelation by human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, that he (Shamsudeen) used dozens of bank accounts to launder public funds.