A prominent Nigerian actress has been apprehended on suspicion of attempting to bribe a police officer in Kano state.
Police allege that Amal Umar offered an officer 250,000 naira (£137; $175) to release her impounded car.
Her lawyer, Adama Usman, asserts her innocence, claiming that it was a police officer who initially solicited money.
Amal, a well-known figure in Kano’s film industry, Kannywood, has starred in numerous movies over the past decade and enjoys widespread popularity, even in neighboring countries.
According to authorities, Amal’s car was confiscated over a year ago due to suspicions that it was acquired using funds derived from alleged fraudulent activities by her boyfriend.
“She gave our officer 250,000 [naira] with a promise to bring more money,” Kano police spokesman Bashir Muhammad told the BBC.
Amal’s lawyer Mrs Usman told the BBC they would continue to fight the case in court as she thinks 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.