Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the arrest and ongoing detention of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), by the Niger State Government under Governor Umaru Bago.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Atiku described Mokwa’s arrest as “outrageous and unacceptable,” accusing Governor Bago of promoting tyranny and intolerance under the pretext of enforcing the Cybercrimes Act.

“It has come to my attention that Abubakar Isah Mokwa has been arrested and detained for over a week for merely expressing his opinion about Governor Umaru Bago,” Atiku said.

“This is a dangerous sign of how far our country has descended into intolerance and repression, where citizens’ rights are trampled and dissenting voices are silenced under the guise of enforcing the so-called Cybercrimes Act.”

Atiku stressed that criminalising defamation undermines democratic values, noting that it should be treated as a civil matter rather than a criminal offense. He accused the ruling party of normalizing intimidation and arbitrary arrests to suppress critics and opposition voices.

“The continued incarceration of Abubakar Mokwa and others persecuted under this unjust law stands condemned. This tyranny in disguise has no place in a free society,” he added.

The former Vice President demanded Mokwa’s immediate and unconditional release and urged Nigerians to defend freedom of expression. He also called on the National Assembly to amend or repeal the Cybercrimes Act, describing it as a tool for gagging citizens and undermining democracy.

Mokwa, popularly known among peers as “Senator,” faces six-count charges including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and inciting disturbance, following an alleged social media post criticizing Governor Bago’s response to flood victims in Mokwa community. He was arraigned before a Minna Chief Magistrate Court and remanded in prison custody, despite pleading not guilty and applying for bail.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have condemned the detention, describing it as a violation of free speech and an escalation of repression in Nigeria.

“We stand firmly with Abubakar and call for his immediate release. The continued misuse of the Cybercrime Act to silence dissenting voices is an assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” Amnesty said.