By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
A renowned Nigerian-based international Islamic scholar, Professor Muhammad Sani Umar Rijiyar Lemu, has cautioned journalists and social media influencers against what he described as the growing trend of scandalising individuals and groups under the guise of investigative journalism and freedom of expression.
Speaking during the ongoing Ramadan Tafsir in Bauchi, the respected cleric decried what he termed the deliberate use of media platforms to tarnish reputations for monetary gains and personal interests. He lamented that some practitioners have abandoned ethical standards, choosing instead to weaponise information to destroy lives and credibility.
Professor Rijiyar Lemu cautioned that freedom of speech does not grant licence for defamation, blackmail, or invasion of privacy. He reminded media practitioners that accountability before Allah supersedes professional titles, warning that perpetrators would not be excused on the Day of Judgment simply because they operated as journalists or influencers.
The Islamic scholar expressed particular concern over the misuse of Artificial Intelligence and digital tools to fabricate or manipulate content aimed at discrediting individuals for the sake of virality and online relevance. He described the practice as morally bankrupt and spiritually dangerous.
Drawing lessons from his interpretation of Surah An-Nur, he emphasised that Islam strictly forbids spying, gossip, and public humiliation.
He urged media professionals and online content creators to seek forgiveness, turn over a new leaf, and harness digital platforms for societal development, moral reorientation, and the propagation of truth rather than falsehood.
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