Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong demand for the immediate release of a young Nigerian man arrested in Abuja for his posts on social media platforms.
Arrest Over Online Criticism
Abubakar Salim Musa was taken into custody by police officers after he used social media to voice criticism regarding Nigeria's security failures. The arrest was reportedly executed by officers from the Gusau Central Police Command, who tracked Musa based on his online activity. He has remained in detention since.
The case gained national attention when Amnesty International Nigeria shared details of the arrest on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on the evening of Sunday, January 11, 2026. The organisation highlighted his remand in Keffi Prison ahead of what it called a trial on fabricated charges.
Atiku's Strong Condemnation
Reacting to the development, Atiku Abubakar took to his verified X account on Monday, January 12, to condemn the action. He aligned himself with Amnesty International's call for Musa's freedom.
"Tinubu’s government must release Abubakar Salim Musa, and stop its repression on dissent," the former presidential candidate stated firmly.
He described Musa's only offence as his "consistent and legitimate criticism" of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and the country at large. Atiku accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of opting to arrest critics instead of addressing the serious security concerns they raise.
"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.
A Dangerous Pattern of Repression
The former Vice President lamented that this incident is not isolated. He pointed to a worrying trend where numerous Nigerians face arrest, assault, and intimidation for criticising the government or the President's family.
Journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers, and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have all reportedly been targeted by police and other security agencies for expressing their opinions, according to Atiku.
He warned that this pattern undermines the foundations of democracy, which rely on the protection 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," he argued.
With the nation approaching a critical general election, Atiku stressed that neither the populace nor the opposition can function effectively in an atmosphere of fear and repression.
Calls for Action and Accountability
In his statement, Atiku made several direct appeals:
- He called on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights.
- He urged the government to halt the ongoing pattern of arbitrary arrests targeting critics, journalists, and opposition voices.
- He called on the international community, particularly nations and organisations that champion democracy, to hold the Tinubu regime accountable and demand an end to these violations.
- He encouraged patriots, civil society groups, and all Nigerians of conscience to join the demand and stand against any further erosion of freedoms.
This case adds to growing concerns documented by rights groups about a surge in threats, detentions, and harassment against young Nigerians who are critical of the government online.
