Nigeria arrests critic Abubakar Salim for online comments

Amnesty International has condemned the arrest of Abubakar Salim Musa by police in Abuja, describing it as arbitrary and unlawful. The human rights organization warned of a growing trend to silence young Nigerians for expressing their opinions online.

According to Amnesty, Salim’s arrest is linked to his use of social media to criticize government officials, which falls within his fundamental right to freedom of expression. Prior to his arrest, Salim had been tracked and monitored by police officers, but no formal invitation, complaint, or allegation was ever communicated to him. Despite efforts by his lawyers to seek clarification, Salim was later arrested by heavily armed security personnel at a hotel in Abuja and detained at a notorious police detention center.

When his family and lawyers inquired about his arrest, the police denied that he was in custody. Amnesty emphasized that Salim committed no crime and should not be punished for criticizing public officials, as it is within his right to do so. The organization views Salim’s detention as a clear abuse of power and a violation of the rule of law.

Under international human rights law, criticism on social media cannot justify arrest or detention. Amnesty is calling on Nigerian authorities to release Abubakar Salim immediately and unconditionally. The organization also expressed concern over increasing threats to young people’s freedom of expression in Nigeria, highlighting the need to protect this fundamental right.

The arrest of Abubakar Salim Musa is the latest incident in a series of events that have raised concerns about the state of freedom of expression in Nigeria. Amnesty International has consistently advocated for the protection of human rights and the rule of law in the country. The organization’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding these principles and ensuring that individuals are not unfairly targeted for exercising their right to free speech.