Amnesty International has condemned the arrest and continued detention of Mr. Jonah Bonet, popularly known as “Pompo,” describing the action as arbitrary and a violation of his right to freedom of expression.
In a statement, the human rights organisation alleged that Bonet was arrested solely for criticising the Kaduna State Government, insisting that expressing criticism of public officials is a constitutionally protected right and should not attract punitive action.
According to Amnesty International, armed operatives of “Operation Fushin Kada” stormed Bonet’s residence in Abuja at about 8:15 p.m. on June 23, 2026, and took him away at gunpoint in the presence of his wife and children.
The organisation claimed Bonet’s arrest was linked to a viral social media video in which he criticised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
Amnesty International further alleged that despite repeated efforts by his family and legal representatives, they have been denied access to him, while security agencies have failed to disclose his whereabouts.
The organisation urged Nigerian security agencies to uphold due process and refrain from being used to suppress dissent through arbitrary arrests, detention and other actions that infringe on citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and opinion.
It also accused the Kaduna State Government of fostering an increasingly repressive environment by targeting critics, warning that such actions undermine democratic freedoms and create a climate of fear.
According to Amnesty International, no individual should face punishment for expressing criticism of a state governor or any other public office holder, stressing that public officials must remain accountable to citizens.
The organisation expressed concern over what it described as growing intimidation of Nigerians who use social media to comment on political and social issues, arguing that attempts to suppress online expression constitute an unacceptable violation of fundamental human rights.
Amnesty International called for Bonet’s immediate and unconditional release and urged the authorities to respect and protect the rights of all citizens in accordance with the Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
As of the time of the statement, there had been no official response from the Kaduna State Government or the relevant security agencies to the allegations.
