Atiku Demands Release of Detained Critic, Accuses Tinubu Govt of Repression

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called onPresident Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately release Abubakar SalimMusa, describing his arrest as part of a growing crackdown on dissent inNigeria. Atiku made the call in a statement issued on Monday,following a report by Amnesty International Nigeria on the arrest of the youngNigerian on Sunday, January 11, 2026. “This case is yet another stark example of the repressivenature of the President Bola Tinubu administration, which continues to bare itsfangs against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or onlinecriticism,” Atiku said. According to him, Musa’s only offence was his persistentcriticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and acrossthe country. “Abubakar’s only ‘offense’ was his consistent and legitimatecriticism of the deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria andacross the country,” he stated. Rather than engage with the concerns raised, Atiku said thegovernment resorted to intimidation and prosecution. “Instead of addressing these serious concerns, thegovernment’s response has been to arrest him and subject him to what AmnestyInternational rightly describes as ‘bogus charges and a sham trial,’” he added. The former vice president stressed that Musa’s arrest wasnot an isolated incident, noting that several Nigerians had suffered similartreatment for expressing dissent. “Numerous Nigerians, including journalists, schoolchildren,entertainers and even NYSC members, have faced arrest, assault and intimidationsimply for criticising the President or members of his family,” Atiku said. He warned that such actions pose a grave threat to Nigeria’sdemocratic foundations. “This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations ofdemocracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedomof expression,” he said. Atiku further argued that Nigeria’s democratic credentialswere being eroded by the continued repression of critics. “Nigeria cannot claim to be part of the free world while itscitizens are routinely arrested, assaulted and intimidated for voicingcriticism of their government,” he stated. With general elections approaching, Atiku cautioned againstan atmosphere of fear and repression. “As the nation approaches a critical general election,neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively in an atmosphereof fear and repression,” he warned. He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Musaand others detained for exercising their constitutional rights. “I call on the Tinubu administration to immediately andunconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained forexercising their constitutional rights,” Atiku said. He also urged the government to halt arbitrary arrests andintimidation, while calling on the international community to intervene. “I urge the international community, particularly countriesand organisations that champion democracy and human rights, to hold the Tinuburegime accountable and demand an end to these violations,” he said. Atiku concluded by calling on Nigerians and civil societygroups to resist any further erosion of civil liberties. “I encourage fellow patriots, civil society groups and allNigerians of conscience to join this demand and stand firmly against anyfurther erosion of our freedoms,” he added.

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