Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Bauchi youth, Usman Sabo, who was arrested by the police for criticizing the Chairman of Shira local government area, Babangida Ishaq, popularly known as Maliya.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the global human rights organisation condemned the arrest, describing it as unlawful and a blatant violation of Sabo’s right to freedom of expression.
“The Nigeria Police must immediately and unconditionally release Usman Sabo — who was unlawfully detained by the police in Bauchi State for criticizing the Chairman of Shira Local Government Area Babangida Ishaq, widely known as Maliya,” the statement read.
According to Amnesty International, Sabo was arrested on Friday, 8 August 2025, following Facebook posts in which he criticised the local government chairman.
The rights group said the arrest “shows utter disregard for the rule of law and intolerance of dissenting voices,” insisting that “no one should be punished for criticizing a government official.”
“Usman Sabo did not commit any crime and his arrest shows clear abuse of power. It is perfectly within his right to criticize any government official — no matter his position or status,” Amnesty International stated.
The group further warned that the Nigerian Police Force must not be used as a political tool to silence dissent, stressing the importance of upholding due process and protecting the fundamental rights of citizens.
As at the time of filing this story, the Bauchi State Police Command had yet to respond to the allegations surrounding Sabo’s arrest.
