Nasarawa Activist Oscar Keana Transferred To Medium-Security Prison After DSS Arraignment Over Alleged Claims Against Governor Sule

Abdulkarim Allanana, a Nasarawa-based media activist popularly known as Oscar Keana, has been transferred from the Lafia Custodial Centre to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Nasarawa, SaharaReporters has learnt.

Allanana, who is the Chairman of the Indigenous People of Nasarawa State (IPNAS), was moved on Tuesday morning following a directive from the Nigerian Correctional Service, according to sources familiar with the matter.

His transfer comes days after he was remanded in custody by the Federal High Court in Lafia following his arraignment by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged false publications concerning Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule.

Allanana is facing a two-count charge bordering on alleged false information.

The court subsequently adjourned proceedings to November 26 for hearing of his bail application.

A source who spoke to SaharaReporters said concerns had been raised over the activist's continued detention following his transfer to the Nasarawa custodial facility.

The source also alleged that authorities may file additional charges against Allanana, potentially prolonging his detention.

Governor Sule had petitioned the DSS against Allanana through the Abuja-based law firm Legal Logic in a petition dated September 20, 2026.

In the petition, the governor accused the activist of making what he described as grave, malicious, reckless and unsubstantiated allegations against him through social media broadcasts.

Among the allegations cited in the petition was a claim by Allanana that Sule had directed his supporters to back former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the 2023 general election primaries, allegedly against the broader interests of the governor's political party.

The petition also cited allegations that Sule was involved in the liquidation of the African Petroleum (AP) Group of Companies.

According to the petition, Allanana had also made allegations concerning the governor's support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections.

The governor reportedly described the allegations as false and damaging, alleging that they were intended to expose him and his office to public hatred, ridicule, contempt and disrepute.

The petition also reportedly referred to separate online videos in which Allanana allegedly made offensive comments concerning members of the governor's family, including remarks relating to a DNA test involving the governor's daughter.

Reports indicate that Allanana subsequently retracted some of the statements, although the DSS proceeded with the case and arraigned him.

The activist's detention has raised concerns among persons who have called for greater protection of freedom of expression and civic space.

A source who brought the matter to SaharaReporters urged attention to Allanana's case, describing him as a media activist who had been detained following the governor's petition and subsequently charged before the Federal High Court.

“Whatever the allegations, his case deserves attention from those who consistently advocate for freedom of expression, due process and the protection of civic space,” the source said.