Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate release of Abubakar Salim Musa, a social media commentator and critic of the Tinubu administration who is currently in detention.
Musa, popularly known on X as @AM_Saleeeem, was reportedly arrested on the evening of January 11, 2026, according to Amnesty International Nigeria.
Atiku, in a statement shared via his verified X handle on Monday, condemned what he described as an escalating pattern of repression against dissenting voices under the Tinubu-led government.
The former vice president said his reaction followed Amnesty International’s disclosure that Musa was allegedly arrested arbitrarily and remanded at Keffi Prison, where authorities plan to prosecute him on what the rights group described as “bogus charges.”
In its statement, Amnesty International said Musa’s ordeal reflects a growing threat to freedom of expression in Nigeria, particularly among young people.
“Abubakar Salim Musa has been remanded at Keffi Prison ahead of plans to put him through a sham trial based on bogus charges,” Amnesty stated.
The organisation added that Musa had committed no crime and that the alleged harassment was aimed at silencing him for expressing critical opinions online.
Reacting, Atiku described Musa’s detention as “yet another disturbing example of the Tinubu administration baring its fangs against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online criticism.”
He said Musa’s only offence was his “consistent and legitimate criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country.”
Rather than addressing public concerns, Atiku accused the government of resorting to intimidation and repression, noting Amnesty International’s characterization of the charges as unlawful and the legal process as a “sham trial.”
Atiku further alleged that Musa’s case was part of a broader pattern, claiming that journalists, entertainers, schoolchildren, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, and other citizens had faced arrest, harassment, or intimidation for criticising the president or members of his family.
Read also:
- BREAKING: Atiku Picks Okowa As Running Mate
- Wike: Atiku still open to dialogue – Spokesman
- Obasanjo, Atiku, Akpabio, others gather in Abuja for Tambuwal’s colloquium
“This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” Atiku said.
He added that Nigeria cannot genuinely claim to be a democracy “while citizens are routinely arrested, assaulted or intimidated for voicing criticism of their government.”
With the country approaching a critical election period, Atiku warned that an atmosphere of fear and repression would stifle both citizens and opposition voices.
“As the nation approaches a crucial general election, neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively in an environment of fear and repression,” he said.
Atiku, therefore, called on the Tinubu administration to “immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained simply for exercising their constitutional rights.”
He also urged the government to end what he described as a sustained campaign of arbitrary arrests and intimidation against critics, journalists, and civil society actors.
Additionally, Atiku appealed to the international community to intervene, calling on countries and organisations that promote democracy and human rights to hold the Nigerian government accountable.
“I encourage fellow patriots, civil society groups, and Nigerians of conscience to stand firmly against any further erosion of our freedoms,” he added.
