Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday urged President Bola Tinubu to prevail on security agencies to release detained Abubakar Salim Musa and to stop the repression of voices of dissent.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement he personally signed, recalled that on the evening of Sunday, January 11, 2026, the official X handle of Amnesty International Nigeria shared details of the arbitrary arrest of the young Nigerian.
He described Musa’s arrest and detention as “yet another stark example of the repressive nature of the Bola Tinubu administration, which continues to bare its fangs against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online criticism.”
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Atiku stated that “Abubakar’s only ‘offense’ was his consistent and legitimate criticism of the deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country.”
He added that rather than addressing 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.’”
“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Numerous Nigerians, including journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers, and even National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have faced arrest, assault, and intimidation by the police and other security agencies simply for criticizing the President or members of his family,” Atiku said.
He noted that this “dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest 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.”
“At a time when the nation is approaching a critical general election, neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively in an atmosphere of fear and repression,” he added.
Atiku therefore called on President Tinubu to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights. He also urged the government to halt the ongoing pattern of arbitrary arrests and intimidation targeting critics, journalists, and opposition voices.
“I urge the international community, particularly countries and organizations that champion democracy and human rights, to hold the Tinubu administration accountable and demand an end to these violations,” Atiku said.
He also appealed to “fellow patriots, civil society groups, and all Nigerians of conscience to join this demand and stand firmly against any further erosion of our freedoms.”
Recall that Amnesty International had reported that Musa, who was visiting Abuja from Zamfara State, was tracked and arrested at Sounders Suites in Apo Legislative Quarters, Zone E. He was later detained at Abattoir — a notorious police detention centre where past detainees have reportedly been tortured.
According to the organisation, Musa’s family was denied access to him. “When his family and lawyers approached the detention centre to find out exactly why he was detained, the police brazenly denied having him in their custody,” Amnesty said.
Atiku insisted that “Nigerian authorities must release Abubakar Salim immediately and unconditionally. No one should be punished for criticizing a government official. Abubakar Salim did not commit any crime, and his arrest shows clear abuse of power. It is perfectly within his right to criticize any government official.”
