Amnesty International on Friday condemned what it described as the “unlawful arrest and detention” of Jigawa-based activist Abba Mu’azu Abiyos by the police, saying the action violates basic rights to free expression.
Abiyos was arrested on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, by the Jigawa State Police Command after posting comments on Facebook allegedly critical of the Chairman of Roni Local Government Area, Abba Ya’u.
In a statement posted on its verified social media account, Amnesty International said the arrest was based on “baseless allegation of defaming the Chairman of Roni LGA.
The group said the detention shows “utter disregard for the rule of law and intolerance of dissenting voices,” adding that “no one should be punished for criticizing a government official.”
According to the organisation, Abiyos “did not commit any crime and his arrest shows clear abuse of power. It is perfectly within his right to criticize any government official — no matter his position or status.”
Amnesty also faulted the police for holding the activist over online comments, saying the action undermines fundamental rights.
“Detaining Abba Abiyos solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression is unacceptable and shows contempt for the rule of law. Under international human rights law, the mere fact that a social media post is considered unpalatable by a local government chairman or any public figure is not sufficient to justify arbitrary detention,” the statement said.
The organization urged authorities to adhere to due process rather than act on political pressure.
“Nigeria police must always uphold the due process of law and not become a tool in the hands of politicians by carrying out arbitrary arrest, detention, and other undue restrictions of the rights of individuals to the legitimate exercise of their freedom of expression and opinion,” it said.
Amnesty demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of the activist.
