Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar, popularly known as @AbbakarAffan, who was allegedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kaduna and detained without access to his lawyer or family.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the rights group said the activist has remained in custody since February 10, 2026, describing his arrest as arbitrary and a violation of his fundamental rights.
Amnesty International noted that Abubakar is widely recognised for his activism against the conflict in Gaza and maintained that there was no legal justification for what it termed a “brazen” infringement on his right to freedom of expression.
The organisation warned that persistent repression by security agencies fosters a climate of fear and self-censorship, depriving citizens of their constitutionally guaranteed rights. It further alleged that Nigerians who use social media platforms to comment on social and political issues increasingly face intimidation, threats, and, in some cases, arrest.
According to the group, the use of coercive measures to regulate online expression contravenes human rights standards and undermines the rule of law. Amnesty International urged authorities to respect due process and uphold citizens’ rights to free expression and association.
