Amnesty International has strongly condemned what it described as an abuse of power by the Niger State Government following the unlawful arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a 29-year-old student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, over alleged criticism of Governor Umaru Bago.
In a statement on Saturday, the rights organisation said Mokwa’s arrest constitutes “an attack on freedom of expression,” insisting that it is within every citizen’s right to criticise public officials.
“The governor of Niger State must stop such brazen and consistent attacks on freedom and human rights,” Amnesty International said. “Criticising a president or a governor — no matter who he is — is not a crime.”
The group warned that Mokwa’s arrest reflects the growing trend of political repression and shrinking civic space across Nigeria. “Nigerian politicians are increasingly abusing their power by locking up their critics. Peaceful protesters are met with violent reprisals, and now online voices are being silenced through police manipulation and the weaponisation of the judiciary,” the statement read.
Amnesty International called for the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Mokwa, urging Governor Bago to respect Nigeria’s constitution and international obligations that guarantee freedom of expression.
“Governor Umaru Bago should be listening to what his critics are saying, not using the police to silence them,” the organisation added.
