Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday urged President Bola Tinubu to pressure security agencies to release detained Abubakar Salim Musa and stop suppressing dissenting voices.
The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement personally signed recalled that on the evening of Sunday, January 11, 2026, the official X handle of Amnesty International Nigeria shared details of the arbitrary arrest of the young Nigerian.
He described Musa's arrest and detention as “another egregious example of the repressive nature of the Bola Tinubu administration, which continues to brandish its sharp weapons against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online criticism.”
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Atiku said that “Abubakar's only 'crime' was his consistent and legitimate criticism of the deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole.”
He said that rather than addressing these serious concerns, “the government's response has been to arrest them and subject them to what Amnesty described as 'sham charges and sham trials'.”
Atiku said, “Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Many Nigerians, including journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers and even members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have faced arrest, assault and intimidation by the police and other security agencies for criticizing the President or members of his family.”
He said this “dangerous trend undermines the foundation of democracy, which rests on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression. Nigeria cannot claim to be part of the free world while its citizens are routinely arrested, attacked and intimidated for criticizing their government.”
“At a time when the country is approaching crucial general elections, neither the people nor the opposition can function effectively in an environment of fear and repression,” he said.
Atiku therefore called on President Tinubu to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights. They also urged the government to stop the ongoing pattern of arbitrary arrests and intimidation targeting critics, journalists and opposition voices.
“I urge the international community, especially countries and organizations supporting democracy and human rights, to hold the Tinubu administration accountable and demand an end to these violations,” Atiku said.
He appealed to “fellow patriots, civil society groups and all Nigerians of conscience to join this demand and stand firmly against any further erosion of our freedoms.”
Recall that Amnesty International had reported that Musa, who was visiting Abuja from Zamfara State, was tracked and arrested at Sounders Suites in Apo Legislative Quarters, Zone E. He was later detained in the slaughterhouse – a notorious police detention center where previous detainees were allegedly tortured.
According to the organization, Musa's family was denied access to him. Amnesty said, “When his family and lawyers contacted the detention center to find out why he was detained, the police brazenly refused to take him into their custody.”
Atiku stressed that “Nigerian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim. No one should be punished for criticizing a government official. Abubakar Salim has committed no crime, and his arrest represents a clear abuse of power. He is completely within his right to criticize any government official.”
