Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Bauchi youth, Usman Sabo, who was arrested by the police for allegedly criticising the Chairman of Shira Local Government Area, Babangida Ishaq, popularly known as Maliya.
According to Hobnob News, the global human rights organisation, in a statement posted on its official X account, 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.
Amnesty International said Sabo was arrested on Friday, 8 August 2025, after making Facebook posts criticising the local government chairman. The organisation described the incident as an example of “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,” the group stressed.
The rights body also warned against using the Nigerian Police Force as a political tool to silence dissent, urging authorities to uphold due process and safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens.
As of the time of filing this report, the Bauchi State Police Command had yet to respond to the allegations surrounding Sabo’s arrest.
