Musa Following Abuja Arrest
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to release activist Abubakar Salim Musa without delay.
The demand follows reports of Musa’s arrest by security agents in Abuja, an incident that has sparked widespread concern among human rights advocates and political leaders across Nigeria.
Details of the Arrest in Abuja
Abubakar Salim Musa was reportedly apprehended by heavily armed security personnel at a hotel in the Apo Legislative Quarters area of Abuja.
Sources indicate that the activist had been under surveillance by officers from the Gusau Central Police Command before his eventual detention.
Human rights organization Amnesty International Nigeria reported that Musa was taken to a detention facility known as the Abbatoir.
The group described the arrest as arbitrary and a direct violation of the right to freedom of expression, noting that no formal charges or invitations were issued to the activist prior to his capture.
Atiku Abubakar Condemns Crackdown on Dissent
In a strongly worded statement issued on January 12, 2026, Atiku Abubakar characterized the arrest as part of a troubling trend of state-sponsored intimidation against critics of the government.
He emphasized that Musa’s primary activity involved legitimate criticism of the deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.
Atiku argued that the current administration is increasingly targeting individuals who express dissenting opinions online or through public discourse.
He warned that the use of security forces to silence citizens undermines the democratic foundations of the nation and violates fundamental human rights.
Growing Concerns Over Human Rights
The detention of Abubakar Salim Musa has drawn international attention to the shrinking space for free speech in Nigeria.
Amnesty International has joined the call for his unconditional release, stating that the mere fact that a social media post is considered unpalatable by public officials is not legal justification for arbitrary detention.
Legal representatives for Musa have noted that the police initially denied holding him in their facility, raising further concerns regarding the transparency of the legal process and the safety of the detainee.
Call to Action
The demand for justice continues to mount as civic groups and opposition leaders urge the federal government to uphold the rule of law.
The public is monitoring the situation closely for updates on the activist’s legal status and his eventual release from custody.
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