The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the arrest, prosecution, and public condemnation of Bashir Ahmad, a former Personal Assistant on New Media to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, over comments he allegedly made suggesting that he could influence or determine decisions of Nigerian courts during the previous administration.
HURIWA, one of Nigeria’s well-known civil rights advocacy groups, said the comments—made by Ahmad on social media before he reportedly deleted them—represent an open attack on the independence of the judiciary. The group argued that the statements, whether made jokingly or seriously, further deepen public fears that the judiciary may have been compromised under past administrations.
In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja by its National Media Affairs Director, Zainab Yusuf, HURIWA said Ahmad’s remarks were not only derogatory to the Federal High Court, but also amounted to an admission of extra-judicial activities during Buhari’s tenure.
Although the original tweet has since been deleted, screenshots circulating online show Ahmad responding to a post about a court case by suggesting he had contacts and influence strong enough to decide court outcomes. He appeared to boast that he could “fix” court decisions and use his connections to ensure certain judgments were delivered.
When social media users reacted angrily, accusing him of exposing unlawful interference in the judiciary, Ahmad reportedly deleted the tweet almost immediately. But the comments had already gone viral.
According to HURIWA, the deletion of the tweet amounted to an admission that he had said something improper and possibly incriminating.
“His attempt to wipe off the comments shows that he knew the weight of what he said,” HURIWA stated. “Such an admission is a grave threat to constitutional democracy and undermines the sanctity of Nigeria’s court system.”
HURIWA said Ahmad’s remarks reflect a deeper problem in Nigeria’s governance and justice system. For many years, there have been allegations that politicians, powerful government officials, and wealthy individuals influenced court judgments, especially in high-profile political, corruption, and electoral cases.
While these allegations have often been denied by government officials, the comments made by someone who worked closely with the president raised fresh concerns.
According to HURIWA, the implications are serious:
It suggests that the judiciary may not have been truly independent under Buhari.
It raises questions about past judgments involving political figures.
It damages public trust in the rule of law.
It may indicate that court processes were manipulated from inside the Presidential Villa.
HURIWA said the judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and any suggestion that it could be “arm-twisted” is dangerous.
The organisation called for several actions:
Immediate arrest and prosecution of Bashir Ahmad for statements capable of undermining the judiciary.
A full investigation into whether Ahmad or any other officials truly influenced court decisions during Buhari’s administration.
A public statement from the Federal Government distancing itself from Ahmad’s remarks and reaffirming its commitment to judicial independence.
A probe panel to review controversial judgments delivered during the years Ahmad worked in the Villa, especially cases that generated public suspicion.
HURIWA argued that keeping quiet over the matter would send the wrong signal and encourage further disrespect for the judiciary.
Bashir Ahmad served as Personal Assistant on New Media to President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 until the end of Buhari’s second term in 2023. In that role, he was responsible for managing the president’s online presence and shaping digital communication from the Villa.
He gained a large following on Twitter (now X) and often engaged with political debates, sometimes sparking controversy. Although he did not hold a ministerial or constitutional role, he worked close to the presidency, giving him access to powerful political circles.
Nigeria’s Constitution provides for the separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Judges are expected to be neutral and independent, making decisions based only on the law and evidence, not on political pressure.
However, Nigeria has a long history of tension between the executive and the judiciary. Past issues include:
Delays in granting court orders.
Arrests or intimidation of judges.
Controversial judgments in political cases.
Allegations of corruption and bribery involving lawyers and judges.
The comments attributed to Ahmad touched on these fears, suggesting that court outcomes may have been predetermined by people in government.
According to HURIWA, such statements “validate long-held fears that the judiciary was not allowed to function freely during the Buhari years.”
Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) expressed outrage, with many saying that if Ahmad indeed influenced judgments, then hundreds of court cases from Buhari’s tenure should be revisited. Some users called for a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Others demanded that security agencies invite Ahmad for questioning.
Several commentators also urged the Buhari administration to clarify whether any court interference took place during its eight years in office.
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As of the time of filing this report, neither the Federal Government nor Bashir Ahmad has issued a formal statement responding to HURIWA’s demands. Attempts to reach Ahmad through his verified social media accounts were unsuccessful.
In its closing remarks, HURIWA warned that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on the strength of its institutions.
“A judiciary that can be manipulated from political offices cannot protect citizens’ rights,” the group said. “We must defend the integrity of the courts, or we risk losing the democracy we have worked hard to build.”
