By Dalena Reporters
Minna, Nigeria — October 24, 2025
Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, who was arrested by the Niger State Police Command for allegedly criticising Governor Umaru Bago on social media.
The global human rights organisation described Mokwa’s arrest as a clear violation of his right to freedom of expression, guaranteed under both Nigerian law and international human rights treaties to which the country is a signatory.
“Criticising a president or a governor, no matter who he is, is not a crime,” Amnesty International said in a statement on Friday. “Authorities must stop using cybercrime laws to silence citizens and criminalise free speech.”
Mokwa, 29, was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Lapai Police Division after the governor’s media team filed a petition accusing him of violating the Cybercrime Act. He was later transferred to the state police headquarters in Minna for further interrogation.
Sources close to the family said the student had been detained without charge for several days, sparking outrage among human rights advocates and student groups who see the case as part of a wider clampdown on dissenting voices in the state.
Rights Group Condemns Trend of Repression
Amnesty International expressed concern over what it called “a growing pattern of backsliding on human rights across Nigeria,” warning that the continuous misuse of cybercrime legislation to stifle criticism poses a grave threat to democracy and civic engagement.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental right. The Nigerian authorities must end this dangerous pattern of repression,” the organisation added.
Public Reaction
The arrest has triggered widespread condemnation on social media, with activists and students demanding Mokwa’s release. Many Nigerians have also called on Governor Bago to publicly distance himself from the incident and to uphold the principles of tolerance and accountability in governance.
As of the time of filing this report, the Niger State Police Command had not issued an official statement addressing Amnesty International’s demand or providing clarity on Mokwa’s legal status.