Amnesty International Condemns Threats Of Arrest, Abduction Of Critics Of Kaduna Government

The Amnesty International has raised concerns over what it described as increasing threats of arrest and abduction of critics of the Kaduna State government, warning that the development is creating a “toxic climate of fear” in the state.

The human rights organization also alleged that activities of opposition political parties in Kaduna are increasingly being targeted with violent attacks and other forms of repression.

Amnesty International made the allegations while reacting to the reported arrest of Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi in Kaduna.

In a statement, the organization said, “Amnesty International is deeply concerned that in Kaduna, critics of the state government are increasingly facing threats of arrest and abduction.”

It added that “Activities of opposition political parties are increasingly targeted with violent attacks and other forms of repression.”

According to the organization, the situation is “already creating a toxic climate of fear” among residents and political actors in the state.

Amnesty International identified Sanusi as the latest victim of what it described as a “reign of impunity,” alleging that he was arrested at night on September 21 at Aruwa Plaza, Kaduna, by the police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

“The latest victim of this reign of impunity is Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi who was arbitrarily arrested in the night of 21 September at Aruwa Plaza Kaduna by the notorious police Intelligence Response Team (IRT),” the organization said.

It also cited the case of Isah Fresh, a resident of Zaria, who it said was unlawfully arrested earlier in September over a social media video criticizing Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.

“At the beginning of September, Zaria-based Isah Fresh was unlawfully arrested for a social media video criticizing the governor of Kaduna state Mr. Uba Sani,” Amnesty International said.

The organization's concerns come amid growing political tensions and allegations of restrictions on opposition activities and freedom of expression in the state.

Amnesty International called on the Nigerian police to uphold the rule of law and ensure that law enforcement agencies do not become instruments for political repression.

“Nigerian police must always uphold the due process of law and not become a tool in the hands of politicians by carrying out arbitrary arrest, detention, and other undue restrictions of the rights of individuals to the legitimate exercise of their freedom of expression, association and opinion,” it said.

The organization stressed that law enforcement authorities have a responsibility to protect citizens’ fundamental rights, including their rights to freedom of expression, association and opinion.

It further warned that arbitrary arrests and other restrictions on political and civic activities could deepen the atmosphere of fear in Kaduna and undermine citizens’ ability to participate freely in public affairs.

The allegations by Amnesty International are directed at the conduct of security agencies and political actors in Kaduna.

Earlier, Sahara Reporters reported that Amnesty International condemned the alleged continued attempt by the Nigeria Police Force to arrest journalist Zainab Salihu Yabagi over a video explainer concerning Ibrahim Masari, an aide to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The rights organization said it was “deeply concerned” that the police were still seeking to arrest Yabagi, describing the development as a disregard for due process and an abuse of power.

In a statement on Sunday, Amnesty International said, “Amnesty International is deeply concerned that the police are still seeking to arbitrarily arrest journalist Zainab Salihu Yabagi over a video explainer on Mr. Ibrahim Masari — an aide of President Bola Tinubu. This is a clear case of disregard for due process and abuse of power.”

The organization’s concerns followed the alleged invasion of JKD Radio/Television in Millennium City, Kaduna State, by armed police officers on Friday, September 11, 2026.

During the incident, the station manager, Charle Abah, and a security guard were arrested but later released.

“Even though both the station manager Charle Abah and the security guard arrested on Friday 11 Sept. 2026 were released, but Zainab is still being hunted,” Amnesty International said.

The organization had earlier condemned what it described as an “unlawful and outrageous invasion” of the station, saying the police operation was part of a growing pattern of pressure on journalists and independent media organisations.