Amnesty International condemns detention of activist in Jigawa over Facebook post
Abba Mu’azu Abiyos
Amnesty International has condemned the arrest and detention of activist Abba Mu’azu Abiyos by the Jigawa state Police Command over allegation of defaming the Chairman Of Roni Local Government Area, Abba Ya’u.
In a statement on Friday, the human rights organization said that the detention of the activist was baseless and unlawful.
“Abba Abiyos’ arrest by the police on Wednesday 12 November 2025 following Facebook posts, shows utter disregard for the rule of law and intolerance of dissenting voices. No one should be punished for criticizing a government official.
“Abba 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.
“Detaining Abba Abiyos solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression is unacceptable and shows contempt for the rule of law,” the statement added.
It said that 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 by the police.
“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,” Amnesty said.
It demanded for the immediate and unconditional release of the activist, Abba Abiyos.
