One of Nigeria’s renowned actresses has been detained on suspicion of attempting to bribe a police officer in Kano state.
Amal Umar allegedly offered 250,000 naira (£137; $175) to secure the release of her impounded vehicle, according to the police.
However, her lawyer, Adama Usman, asserts her innocence, contending that it was a police officer who initially solicited the bribe.
Known as Amal in Kano’s film industry, Kannywood, she boasts millions of followers on social media and has appeared in numerous movies over the past decade, garnering fame not only in Nigeria but also in neighboring countries.
The police claim that Amal’s car was seized over a year ago under suspicion of being purchased with proceeds from her boyfriend’s alleged fraudulent activities.
“She gave our officer 250,000 [naira] with a promise to bring more money,” stated Kano police spokesman Bashir Muhammad to the BBC.
Amal’s lawyer, Mrs. Usman, informed the BBC that they intend to contest the charges in court, alleging that the Fuska Biyu star was coerced.
“This is simply a case of abuse of her rights. We won the initial case in court where they were trying to link her with her boyfriend’s activities which she has no hands in,” the lawyer told the BBC.
“But the police are yet to obey court orders four months in by still holding on to her car.
“On this case of attempted bribery they are claiming, we are going to pursue it to the end because she was called to come and collect her car only for things to change,” the lawyer said.
Amal, aged 24, has been released on bail.
According to the police, Amal’s boyfriend, Ramadan Inuwa, is wanted for alleged fraudulent activities and remains at large.
Inuwa has not provided any statement regarding the allegations.