Atiku calls for release of Abubakar Salim Musa, accuses Tinubu govt of repressing dissent
By KEMI KASUMU
Atiku also called on civil society groups and “Nigerians of conscience” to resist what he described as the continued erosion of freedoms in the country.
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the alleged arrest of a Nigerian citizen, Abubakar Salim Musa, over his criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly on the issue of insecurity in the country.
Atiku said his reaction followed a post shared on Sunday evening of January 11, 2026 by Amnesty International Nigeria on its official X handle (@AmnestyNigeria), which detailed what the rights group described as the arbitrary arrest of the young Nigerian.
Describing the incident as a troubling sign of growing repression, Atiku said the case exemplifies what he called the repressive posture of the Tinubu administration toward dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online commentary.
According to the former vice president, Musa’s only “offense” was his sustained and legitimate criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.
He faulted the government for responding to such concerns with arrest rather than meaningful action, noting Amnesty International’s description of the charges against Musa as “bogus” and the legal process as a “sham trial.”
Atiku further stated that Musa’s case is part of a wider pattern, alleging that several Nigerians—including journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers, and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)—have been arrested, assaulted, or intimidated by security agencies for criticizing the president or members of his family.
He warned that such actions pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that freedom of expression and the protection of fundamental human rights are central to democratic governance.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be part of the free world while its citizens are routinely arrested, assaulted, and intimidated for voicing criticism of their government,” Atiku said.
With the country approaching a crucial general election, the former vice president cautioned that an atmosphere of fear and repression would undermine effective participation by citizens and opposition parties.
Atiku called on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights. He also urged the government to end what he described as a pattern of arbitrary arrests and intimidation of critics, journalists, and opposition figures.
In addition, he appealed to the international community, particularly countries and organizations that promote democracy and human rights, to hold the Nigerian government accountable and demand an end to alleged violations.
He also called on civil society groups and “Nigerians of conscience” to resist what he described as the continued erosion of freedoms in the country.
