Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the arrest of Nigerian activist Abubakar Salim Musa, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of escalating a crackdown on dissent and freedom of expression.

Atiku’s statement, released Monday, cited an Amnesty International Nigeria report stating that Musa was arbitrarily detained for his criticism of Nigeria’s worsening security situation. Amnesty described the arrest as unlawful and part of a growing pattern of repression under the current government.

“Salim Musa’s only ‘crime’ was his consistent and legitimate criticism of insecurity in Northern Nigeria and across the country,” Atiku said, noting that such expression is constitutionally protected. He criticized the government for responding with “bogus charges and a sham trial” rather than addressing the security concerns raised.

The former Vice President warned that Musa’s case is not isolated, citing harassment and intimidation of journalists, students, entertainers, and even NYSC members for expressing dissent or criticizing government officials.

“This dangerous trend undermines democracy, which relies on the protection of human rights and freedom of expression,” he said. “Nigeria cannot claim membership in the free world while citizens are routinely arrested or intimidated for speaking out.”

With the general elections approaching, Atiku cautioned that continued repression would hinder free political participation for citizens and opposition groups alike.

He called on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Salim Musa and others detained for exercising their rights, and to end the systematic intimidation of critics, journalists, and opposition voices.

Atiku also appealed to the international community—democratic governments and human rights organizations—to hold the Nigerian government accountable and demand an end to violations of civil liberties.