Amnesty International has called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately and unconditionally release Usman Sabo, who was arrested in Bauchi State for criticising the Chairman of Shira Local Government Area, Babangida Ishaq, popularly known as Maliya.
Sabo was detained on Friday, 8 August 2025, following Facebook posts in which he criticised the council chairman. Amnesty described the arrest as an unlawful act that reflects intolerance for dissent and disregard for the rule of law.
“Usman Sabo committed no crime. His detention solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression is unacceptable and constitutes an abuse of power,” the organisation said, adding that under international human rights law, criticism of a public official is not a valid ground for arbitrary arrest.
The rights group accused the police of acting as a political tool in the hands of influential figures by engaging in arbitrary arrests, detentions, and undue restrictions on free speech.
