Amnesty Demands Salim’s Release

The global human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has launched a blistering critique of the Nigerian Police Force following the controversial arrest of Abubakar Salim Musa in Abuja. The organization has officially labeled the detention as both arbitrary and unlawful, sounding an urgent alarm over what it describes as a systemic and “growing attempt” by the state to stifle the voices of young Nigerians who dare to voice dissent in the digital sphere.

According to a detailed statement released by the rights group on Wednesday, Salim’s ordeal began long before his actual apprehension. Amnesty alleges that the young man had been under surreptitious surveillance by police officers attached to the Gusau Central Police Command. This monitoring, they claim, was conducted without any formal invitation, official complaint, or communication of any criminal allegations against him.

The crux of the matter appears to be Salim’s activity on social media. Amnesty asserts that his arrest is a direct consequence of his online critiques of government officials—a form of civic engagement that the group insists is protected under the fundamental right to freedom of expression. They argue that in a democratic society, the digital space must remain a sanctuary for public accountability rather than a trap for those who point out government failings.

The circumstances of the arrest itself have drawn significant ire from rights advocates. Despite proactive attempts by Salim’s legal counsel to reach out to the police for clarification on his status, the authorities allegedly chose to track him down to a hotel located within the Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja. There, he was reportedly picked up by a team of heavily armed security personnel in a manner more consistent with a high-stakes sting operation than a standard civil investigation.

Adding a layer of mystery and dread to the case, Amnesty revealed that Salim was taken to the “Abattoir,” a detention facility in Abuja that has gained a notorious reputation over the years. When family members and lawyers visited the center to inquire about his well-being and the charges against him, the police reportedly denied that he was even in their custody, a move Amnesty characterizes as a classic tactic of intimidation and forced disappearance.

The human rights organization is adamant that Salim has committed no recognizable crime. Their statement emphasizes that criticizing a public official, regardless of their rank or political status, is a cornerstone of democratic participation. They maintain that no individual should face the weight of the state’s security apparatus simply for exercising their right to hold power to account through social media commentary.

Amnesty’s intervention frames this incident not as an isolated case of police overreach, but as a clear abuse of power that flagrantly violates the rule of law. They pointedly noted that under international human rights law, which Nigeria is a signatory to, social media criticism can never serve as a legal justification for the arrest or detention of a citizen.

The organization’s demand is singular and unwavering: the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Salim Musa. They have called on the Nigerian government to uphold its constitutional obligations and to cease the harassment of young people who are simply navigating the complexities of modern political discourse online.

Beyond Salim’s specific case, Amnesty expressed a deeper concern regarding the chilling effect these arrests have on the youth population. They argue that when the state targets individuals for their online opinions, it sends a dangerous message that discourages active citizenship and breeds a culture of fear. For the rights group, the “Abattoir” detention represents a step backward in the country’s journey toward true judicial transparency.

As the situation develops, the eyes of the international community are turning toward the Abuja police command for an official explanation. The silence from the authorities regarding the whereabouts and condition of Salim has only intensified the pressure from local and international civil society groups who view this as a litmus test for freedom of speech in 2026.

Ultimately, the Aiguobasinmwin Movement and other advocacy groups are watching closely, as the precedent set here could dictate the safety of online discourse for millions of Nigerians. Amnesty continues to reiterate that the strength of a nation is measured by its tolerance for criticism, not by the efficiency of its detention centers.