Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has lambasted President Bola Tinubu’s government over the arrest and detention of a critic, Abubakar Musa.

Mr Abubakar urged the Tinubu administration to release Mr Musa and stop its repression of dissent. 

Amnesty International Nigeria had on January 11, 2026, shared details of the arrest of Mr Musa.

The rights organisation disclosed that Mr Musa was “remanded at Keffi prison ahead of plans to put him through a sham trial based on bogus charges”. 

“A lot of young Nigerians have come under attacks, ranging from threats to arrests, illegal detention, and harassment, all for simply expressing their opinions online. Salim did not commit any crime, and the harassment he is facing is clearly aimed at silencing him. It is perfectly within his right to criticise any government official — no matter his position or status,” it said in a statement.

Reacting to the development, Mr Abubakar said, “This case is yet another stark example of the repressive nature of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which continues to bare its fangs against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online criticism.”

The politician noted that Mr Musa had committed no offence other than expressing his legitimate criticism of the deteriorating security situation in the North and across the country. 

Mr Abubakar further noted that rather than address the concern, the government arrested him.

“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Numerous Nigerians, including journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers, and even National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, have faced arrest, assault, and intimidation by the police and other security agencies simply for criticising the president or members of his family.

“This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression. 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,” Mr Abubakar explained. “I therefore call on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights. I also urge the government to halt the ongoing pattern of arbitrary arrests and intimidation targeting critics, journalists, and opposition voices.” 

The former vice-president urged “fellow patriots, civil society groups, and all Nigerians of conscience to join this demand and stand firmly against any further erosion of our freedoms”.