Amnesty International has raised concerns over the detention of at least 11 young men in Maiduguri, Borno State, describing the arrests and charges against them as indicative of an escalating crackdown on peaceful dissent.
According to the organisation, the men have been held at Maiduguri Maximum Prison since August 28, 2026, after they were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 1, Wulari, Maiduguri, on September 8.
The detainees identified by Amnesty International are Umar Sanda Mohammed, Yahaya Mohammed, Mohammed Ali, Abubakar Dauda, Hussaini Umar, Yunusa Salaima, Sulaiman Mohammed, Liti Adamu, Idris Yusuf, Mohammed Ali and a person identified as Warrata, Na Hannun Gomna, Yambo and One Five.
The organisation said the First Information Report (FIR) accuses the men of conduct allegedly involving interrupting, shouting at and embarrassing government officials while the officials were delivering a speech.
Amnesty International, however, said it believes the charges are politically motivated and expressed concern that the arrests and subsequent legal proceedings could amount to political repression and abuse of power.
The human rights organisation said the actions raise concerns over the detainees’ rights to personal liberty, presumption of innocence, fair hearing, freedom of expression and peaceful dissent.
Amnesty further warned against what it described as an increasing clampdown on peaceful dissent in Borno State, stressing that residents should be able to exercise their fundamental human rights without fear of reprisal.
The organisation also maintained that the manner in which authorities respond to criticism and unfavourable views is an important indicator of respect for human rights and democratic freedoms.
Amnesty International therefore called for an end to measures that could unlawfully restrict peaceful expression and dissent, urging authorities to ensure that the rights of all persons facing criminal allegations are fully respected in accordance with Nigerian law and applicable human rights standards.
