Amanze Chinonye
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Bola Tinubu administration to immediately release Abubakar Salim Musa, a young Nigerian currently detained over his online criticism of the government, describing the arrest as another sign of shrinking democratic space in the country.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Monday, Atiku condemned what he described as the “repressive nature” of the Tinubu administration, urging authorities to halt what he said was a growing pattern of intimidation against dissenting voices.
Atiku’s intervention followed a report by Amnesty International Nigeria, which on Sunday disclosed that Musa was arbitrarily arrested and has since been remanded at Keffi Correctional Facility, Nasarawa State, ahead of prosecution.
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According to Atiku, Musa’s only offence was his “consistent and legitimate criticism of the deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country.” He accused the government of responding to criticism with arrests rather than addressing substantive concerns raised by citizens.
“Rather than address these serious concerns, the government’s response has been to arrest him and subject him to what Amnesty describes as ‘bogus charges and a sham trial,’” Atiku said.
The former vice president warned that the incident was not isolated, alleging that journalists, students, entertainers and even National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have faced arrest, assault or intimidation by security agencies for criticising the President or members of his family.
He argued that such actions undermine democracy and Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be part of the free world while its citizens are routinely arrested, assaulted, and intimidated for voicing criticism of their government,” Atiku said, adding that an atmosphere of fear would make it difficult for both the opposition and the electorate to operate freely as the country approaches another general election.
Atiku called for the “immediate and unconditional” release of Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights. He also urged the international community, civil society groups and “all Nigerians of conscience” to speak out against what he described as an erosion of freedoms.
In its statement, Amnesty International Nigeria said Musa’s detention reflects a broader threat to young people’s right to freedom of expression in the country.
“Abubakar Salim Musa has been remanded at Keffi Prison ahead of plans to put him through a sham trial based on bogus charges,” the organisation said, adding that many young Nigerians have faced threats, arrests, illegal detention and harassment for expressing their opinions online.
Amnesty stressed that Musa committed no crime and that the actions against him were “clearly aimed at silencing him,” insisting that it is within his right to criticise any government official, regardless of status.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Federal Government or security agencies to the allegations raised by Atiku and Amnesty International.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
