Nigerian Politician Arrested Over Alleged False Intelligence Shared With Foreign Embassies

According to an exclusive report from Premium Times, Nigerian politician and security consultant Aliyu Gebi has been arrested by operatives of the State Security Service over allegations that he transmitted false intelligence to foreign embassies in Nigeria. Security sources said he was taken into custody on Friday, April 3, and later granted bail, though he remains under investigation and is expected to face charges after inquiries are concluded.

Sources familiar with the matter said the intelligence attributed to him was circulated among several diplomatic missions and triggered concern within international circles. Some officials claimed the reports influenced precautionary steps by foreign airlines, including flight adjustments linked to Lufthansa and operational reviews by British Airways.

The information was also reportedly referenced in a security advisory issued by the United States, which warned its citizens about risks in Nigeria and advised non-essential personnel to leave. The advisory cited violent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry across several parts of the country, listing multiple states as higher-risk zones.

Diplomatic engagement between Nigerian authorities and foreign missions reportedly followed, with officials seeking to clarify the accuracy of the information in circulation. While some embassies were said to have reconsidered planned actions after discussions, the United States proceeded with its advisory.

Gebi has continued to report to the State Security Service headquarters since his release on bail. Investigators are still reviewing the content, origin, and distribution of the disputed intelligence, as well as its impact on diplomatic and aviation decisions.

Attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful, with his phone line unreachable and messages unanswered.

Born in Bauchi State in 1975, Gebi served in the House of Representatives from 2011, where he chaired the committee on internal security. He later worked as a special adviser in the Ministry of Interior between 2015 and 2023 and went on to serve at Defence Headquarters, focusing on non-kinetic security strategy, early warning systems, and coordination of responses to insurgency and cross-border threats.