Rights Group Faults Police Over Arrest of Abuja Activist

Amnesty International has strongly criticised the arrest of activist Abubakar Salim Musa in Abuja, describing the action as arbitrary and a violation of his fundamental rights.

The rights organisation said Musa was taken into custody by police officers over his social media posts that were critical of government officials. According to Amnesty International, he was allegedly monitored without any prior invitation or formal complaint before being stopped and detained in the Apo area of the Federal Capital Territory.

The group expressed concern over the manner of his detention, noting that holding individuals for peacefully expressing dissenting views contradicts Nigeria’s constitutional provisions and international human rights obligations.

Amnesty International called on the authorities to release the activist immediately and without conditions, stressing that freedom of expression, including criticism of government policies and leaders, must be protected in a democratic society.

The organisation also warned that the arrest reflects a growing pattern of intimidation and harassment of young Nigerians who use social media to express political opinions, urging security agencies to respect civil liberties and the rule of law.