Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the detention of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, who was arrested for criticizing Niger State Governor Umaru Bago. In a statement, Abubakar called the development “outrageous and unacceptable,” accusing the governor of promoting intolerance under the pretext of enforcing the Cybercrimes Act. Reports indicate that Mokwa was held for more than a week after expressing his opinion about Governor Bago.
Abubakar argued that using the Cybercrimes Act to justify the arrest sets a dangerous precedent, as the law is being employed to silence dissent and suppress truth. He emphasized that defamation is a civil matter, not a criminal offense, and that invoking it for political purposes betrays justice and assaults democracy. The incident has raised concerns about growing intolerance and repression in the country.
The former vice president accused the ruling party of misusing state power to intimidate citizens, journalists, and opposition voices through arbitrary arrests, thereby undermining democracy. He called for Mokwa’s immediate and unconditional release and urged Nigerians to defend free speech and civil liberty. The Cybercrimes Act has been criticized for being used to muzzle critics and suppress truth; Abubakar contended that the law is being turned into a tool for gagging citizens and waging war against democracy, freedom, and dissent. He called for the repeal or comprehensive amendment of the Act, describing it as a convenient instrument for silencing dissenting voices.
Mokwa’s detention has significant implications for free speech and civil liberty in Nigeria, highlighting the need to protect fundamental human rights and promote a culture of tolerance and openness. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond to calls for Mokwa’s release and for the repeal of the Cybercrimes Act.
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