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Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to immediately release Abubakar Salim Musa, a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Musa, popularly known on X (formerly Twitter) as @AM_Saleeeem, was reportedly arrested on the evening of January 11, 2026, according to a statement by Amnesty International Nigeria.
In a post shared on his verified X handle on Monday, Atiku condemned what he described as an increasing pattern of repression under the Tinubu administration, warning that freedom of expression in Nigeria is under serious threat.
Amnesty Raises Alarm
Amnesty International Nigeria, in a post on Sunday, disclosed that Musa was being detained at Keffi Prison and faced what it described as a “sham trial” based on “bogus charges.”
The human rights organisation stated:
“Abubakar Salim Musa has been remanded at Keffi Prison ahead of plans to put him through a sham trial based on bogus charges. What Salim is going through shows that the right of young people to freedom of expression in Nigeria is increasingly threatened.
“Many young Nigerians have been subjected to threats, arrests, illegal detention, and harassment simply for expressing their opinions online. Salim committed no crime. The harassment he faces is clearly aimed at silencing him. Criticising government officials is a fundamental right, regardless of their position or status.”
Atiku Condemns Arrest
Reacting to the development, Atiku described Musa’s arrest as “yet another disturbing example of the Tinubu administration baring its fangs against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online criticism.”
According to him, Musa’s only offence was his persistent criticism of Nigeria’s worsening security situation, particularly in the North.
“Rather than addressing legitimate concerns raised by citizens, the government has chosen intimidation,” Atiku said, adding that Amnesty International had rightly labelled the charges against Musa as “bogus” and the legal process a “sham trial.”
A Broader Pattern of Repression
Atiku warned that Musa’s case was not isolated, alleging that several Nigerians — including journalists, entertainers, schoolchildren, and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members — had faced arrest, assault, or intimidation for criticising the President or members of his family.
“This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which depend on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” he said.
He stressed that Nigeria could not genuinely claim to be democratic while citizens are routinely harassed for voicing dissent.
Election Concerns and Call to Action
With the country approaching a critical general election period, Atiku warned that repression would stifle democratic participation.
“As the nation approaches a crucial general election, neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively in an atmosphere of fear and repression,” he stated.
Atiku therefore urged the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights.
He also called for an end to what he described as a sustained campaign of arbitrary arrests and intimidation against critics and journalists.
Appealing to the international community, Atiku said:
“Countries and organisations that claim to stand for democracy and human rights must hold the Tinubu administration accountable and demand an end to these violations.”
He concluded by urging Nigerians and civil society groups to resist what he termed the erosion of fundamental freedoms.
“I encourage fellow patriots, civil society organisations, and Nigerians of conscience to stand firmly against any further assault on our freedoms.”
