Kano remands TikToker over cross-dressing, ‘immoral’ content

A famous TikTok celebrity, Abubakar Kilina, has been remanded in custody by a Kano magistrate’s court after arraignment on charges preferred by the Kano State Censorship Board.

In a statement on Tuesday, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, spokesperson of the board, accused Kilina of cross-dressing, use of expletives, and indecent behaviour on social media.

According to the Board , such kind of content is against the moral and religious standard upheld by the state. The case was heard at the No-Man’s-Land Magistrate Court, where Kilina pleaded guilty to the charges.

Barrister Garzali Maigari Bichi prosecuted the case.

Magistrate Hajiya Halima Wali presided, ordering Kilina’s remand from June 4 to 17, 2025, pending the court’s pronouncement.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Censorship Board, Alhaji Abba El-Mustapha stressed the agency’s incessant efforts in the surveillance and regulation of online content that conflict with the cultural values of the state.

He warned that offenders who use digital platforms in promoting immorality shall be dealt with accordingly.

Kilina’s case is one of many conducted by the Kano State Censorship Board in its crackdown on online creators.

Several TikTok stars have been prosecuted for similar offenses in the last few months. Some have been convicted, with fines and jail terms.