Description
The detention of social media commentator Abubakar Salim Musa at the Keffi Correctional Centre has sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, with netizens, activists and political leaders condemning what they describe as an attack on free speech.
Musa, popularly known as @AM_Saleeeem on X, was reportedly arrested on January 11, 2026, over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and later remanded in prison, according to Amnesty International Nigeria.
Amnesty had stated that Musa’s ordeal reflects an increasing clampdown on young Nigerians who express their opinions online, noting that many have been subjected to threats, arrests, illegal detention and harassment for criticising those in power.
“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,” Amnesty said.
His detention has since triggered a wave of reactions online, with many Nigerians calling on the Federal Government to respect the rule of law and uphold citizens’ constitutional rights.
One of the voices leading the call for his release is former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who demanded Musa’s immediate and unconditional freedom.
In a post on his verified X handle, Atiku condemned what he described as a growing culture of repression under the Tinubu administration, warning that the arrest of critics poses a serious threat to democracy and freedom of expression.
He said Musa’s detention followed a disclosure by Amnesty International Nigeria, which alleged that the activist was being prepared for what it described as a sham trial based on bogus charges.
Atiku described Musa’s detention as “yet another disturbing example of the Tinubu administration baring its fangs against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online criticism.”
Atiku said Musa’s only offence was his consistent criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country.
“Rather than address the legitimate concerns being raised, the government has chosen intimidation,” Atiku said.
He warned that the case was not an isolated one, alleging that several Nigerians, including journalists, entertainers, students and members of the National Youth Service Corps, had been harassed or detained for criticising the president or members of his family.
According to him, the trend represents a grave danger to democratic governance.
“This dangerous pattern undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” he said.
Atiku added that Nigeria could not credibly claim to uphold democratic ideals while citizens were routinely arrested, assaulted and intimidated for expressing dissent.
He 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 on the international community to hold the Nigerian government accountable and demand an end to what he described as a sustained campaign of arbitrary arrests and intimidation against critics and journalists.
