Amnesty International has said IBB University, Lapai, student Abubakar Mokwa has been remanded in prison until 17 November 2025 for an alleged social media post about Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State.

In a statement on Wednesday, Amnesty described the development as an escalation of attacks on human rights, adding that "It is perfectly within his right to criticise the governor."

The human rights organisation pointed out that criticising a president or a governor - no matter who he is - is not a crime. It said the arbitrary detention and plan to subject Abubakar Mokwa to a sham trial based on bogus charges are the latest symptoms of the alarming backsliding of human rights across Nigeria.

"The governor of Niger state must end such brazen and consistent attacks on freedom and human rights and comply with Nigeria's constitution and international law that guarantees the right to freedom of expression.

"Nigerian politicians are increasingly abusing their power by locking up their critics. When on the streets, on peaceful protests, Nigerian youths are always met with violent reprisal from the Nigerian authorities, and now their online voices are being silenced as well, through manipulation of the police and weaponisation of the judiciary.

"Abubakar Mokwa must be released immediately and unconditionally. Governor Umaru Bago should be listening to what his critics are saying instead of using the police to silence them," Amnesty said.

ASA