Abubakar Salim Musa remains in unlawful police detention in Abuja after security forces tracked and arrested him for online criticism of government officials.
Heavily armed police officers abducted Nigerian activist and social media commentator Abubakar Salim Musa from a hotel in the Apo Legislative Quarters last week.
Authorities have held him without charges at the notorious “Abattoir” detention center, a facility previously linked to reports of torture.
Amnesty International strongly condemned the arrest on January 7, describing it as arbitrary and a direct violation of freedom of expression.
The organization revealed that police from the Gusau Central Command in Zamfara State had tracked and monitored Musa for days.
Officers acted solely because of his legitimate posts criticizing government handling of security issues, particularly in Zamfara.
No formal invitation, complaint, or allegation ever reached Musa or his lawyers.
Despite repeated requests for clarification amid intense surveillance, authorities provided no response.
When family members and legal representatives approached the detention facility to inquire about his whereabouts and the reason for his custody, police denied holding him — citing “orders from above.”
Amnesty International emphasized that Musa committed no crime.
“It is perfectly within his right to criticize any government official, no matter his position or status,” the group stated.
The detention, according to Amnesty, shows clear abuse of power and contempt for both Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights law.
This incident fits into a disturbing pattern.
Young Nigerians increasingly face threats, harassment, arrests, and illegal detentions simply for voicing opinions online.
Amnesty warned that the government appears determined to crush dissent and suffocate free expression.Public reaction exploded on social media platforms.
Supporters rallied under hashtags like #FreeSaleemNow and #FreeAbubakarSalim, sharing calls for his immediate and unconditional release.
Many posts highlighted the broader threat to civic space and demanded accountability from authorities.
As of January 8, 2026, Musa remains in custody with no access granted to family or lawyers.
Amnesty International reiterated its demand: Nigerian authorities must release Abubakar Salim Musa immediately and unconditionally to uphold the rule of law and protect the fundamental right to free speech.
