Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately release a young Nigerian, Abubakar Salim Musa, who was reportedly arrested over his criticism of insecurity in the country.
Atiku made the call in a statement issued on Monday after Amnesty International Nigeria raised concern over Musa’s arrest, which allegedly took place on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The former vice president described the arrest as part of a wider pattern of repression against Nigerians who speak out against the government.
According to Atiku, Musa’s detention is another sign that the current administration is becoming increasingly intolerant of dissenting voices, both online and offline.
“This case is yet another stark example of the repressive nature of the President Bola Tinubu administration, which continues to bare its fangs against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online criticism,” Atiku said.
He explained that Musa’s only offence was his repeated criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country. In recent years, many communities in the North have faced attacks by bandits, kidnappers, and insurgents, leading to the loss of lives and displacement of thousands of people.
“Abubakar’s only ‘offense’ was his consistent and legitimate criticism of the deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country,” Atiku stated.
The former vice president accused the government of choosing intimidation instead of addressing the issues raised by concerned citizens. He said that rather than engaging with Musa’s concerns, the authorities moved to silence him through arrest and prosecution.
“Instead of addressing these serious concerns, the government’s response has been to arrest him and subject him to what Amnesty International rightly describes as ‘bogus charges and a sham trial,’” Atiku added.
Amnesty International Nigeria had earlier condemned Musa’s arrest, describing it as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights. The rights group said detaining citizens for expressing opinions is against Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights laws.
Atiku stressed that Musa’s case is not an isolated one. He said several Nigerians from different walks of life have faced similar treatment under the current administration.
“Numerous Nigerians, including journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers and even National Youth Service Corps members, have faced arrest, assault and intimidation simply for criticising the President or members of his family,” he said.
In recent months, there have been reports of arrests linked to protests, social media posts, and public comments critical of government policies. These incidents have raised concerns among civil society groups, opposition parties, and international observers.
Atiku warned that such actions pose a serious danger to Nigeria’s democracy, which depends on freedom of speech and the rule of law.
“This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” he said.
Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999 after years of military dictatorship. Since then, freedom of expression and the right to protest have been seen as key gains of democracy. Critics now fear that these freedoms are under threat.
The former vice president said Nigeria’s image as a democratic nation is being damaged by the continued arrest and intimidation of critics.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be part of the free world while its citizens are routinely arrested, assaulted and intimidated for voicing criticism of their government,” Atiku stated.
He also warned that the current atmosphere could affect political participation, especially as the country approaches another general election cycle.
“As the nation approaches a critical general election, neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively in an atmosphere of fear and repression,” he warned.
Atiku demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Musa and others who are being held for expressing their views.
“I call on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights,” he said.
He further urged the government to stop arbitrary arrests and harassment of citizens, noting that such actions only deepen public anger and mistrust.
Beyond calling on the government, Atiku appealed to the international community to speak out against what he described as growing human rights violations in Nigeria.
“I urge the international community, particularly countries and organisations that champion democracy and human rights, to hold the Tinubu regime accountable and demand an end to these violations,” he said.
Atiku also called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, and pro-democracy groups to remain vigilant and resist any further erosion of civil liberties.
“I encourage fellow patriots, civil society groups and all Nigerians of conscience to join this demand and stand firmly against any further erosion of our freedoms,” he added.
The Tinubu administration has repeatedly said it respects the rule of law and freedom of expression. Government officials have often argued that arrests linked to protests or online comments are based on security concerns or violations of existing laws. However, rights groups insist that peaceful criticism should not be treated as a crime.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the federal government or security agencies regarding Musa’s arrest.
