Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong condemnation of the arrest and continued detention of social media critic Abubakar Salim Musa, describing the development as a troubling sign of growing intolerance for dissent under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Atiku’s intervention has intensified national debate over freedom of expression, civil liberties and the handling of criticism in Nigeria’s democratic space.
In a statement released on Monday, January 12, 2026, the former Vice President called for the immediate and unconditional release of Musa, who is popularly known on social media by the handle @AM_Saleeeem. Atiku characterised the detention as a “stark example” of what he described as state-sponsored repression, warning that the federal government was increasingly resorting to intimidation and prosecution to silence critical voices.
According to Atiku, the Tinubu administration has begun to “bare its fangs” against citizens who express dissent, whether through peaceful protests, journalism or online commentary. He argued that Musa’s arrest was emblematic of a wider pattern in which the government responds to criticism with coercion rather than engagement.
The former Vice President maintained that Musa’s only alleged wrongdoing was his persistent criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country. He accused the government of ignoring the substance of citizens’ concerns while deploying the instruments of the state to suppress those who speak out.
“Abubakar’s only ‘offense’ was his consistent and legitimate criticism of the deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country,” Atiku said. “Instead of addressing these serious concerns, the government’s response has been to arrest him and subject him to what Amnesty International rightly describes as ‘bogus charges and a sham trial.’”
Musa’s detention has drawn condemnation from human rights organisations and civil society groups, many of which argue that the charges against him are politically motivated. Amnesty International, in particular, has described the case as an abuse of due process and a violation of Musa’s right to freedom of expression.
Atiku warned that the implications of the case go far beyond the fate of one individual. He argued that the arrest reflects a broader and more dangerous trend of shrinking civic space, where citizens increasingly fear reprisals for expressing opinions that diverge from official narratives.
“The arrest of Abubakar Salim Musa is not an isolated incident,” Atiku said. “It fits into a disturbing pattern where journalists, students, entertainers, and even members of the National Youth Service Corps have been harassed, threatened, or detained for expressing opinions critical of the President or his family.”
He cautioned that such practices undermine the very foundations of democratic governance, which depend on the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and the right to hold leaders accountable. According to Atiku, no democracy can thrive when criticism is criminalised and dissent is treated as a threat to national security.
The former Vice President further warned that the timing of these developments was particularly concerning as Nigeria moves closer to another general election cycle. He argued that a climate of fear and repression would make it impossible for opposition parties, civil society organisations and ordinary citizens to participate meaningfully in the democratic process.
“As the nation approaches a critical general election, neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively in an atmosphere of fear and repression,” he said. “Democracy requires open debate, robust criticism and the freedom to challenge those in power without fear of persecution.”
Political analysts say Atiku’s statement underscores growing unease among opposition figures about what they perceive as an increasingly authoritarian posture by the federal government. Critics of the Tinubu administration have repeatedly accused it of using security agencies and the legal system to intimidate opponents, allegations the government has consistently denied.
The federal government has often maintained that arrests linked to online activities are based on violations of existing laws and are not intended to suppress free speech. Officials have argued that no citizen is above the law and that actions taken by security agencies are necessary to maintain public order and national security.
However, rights advocates argue that the selective enforcement of laws against critics raises serious questions about motive and intent. They contend that vague charges, prolonged detention and limited access to legal counsel have become common features of cases involving outspoken government critics.
Atiku echoed these concerns, insisting that security challenges and economic hardship, not critical voices, represent the real threats to national stability. He argued that silencing critics does nothing to resolve the underlying problems facing the country, particularly insecurity, unemployment and declining public trust in institutions.
“Nigeria’s security crisis cannot be wished away by arresting those who speak about it,” he said. “What the government should be doing is listening to citizens, addressing the root causes of insecurity and demonstrating competence through action, not intimidation.”
Civil society organisations have welcomed Atiku’s intervention, describing it as an important show of solidarity with detained activists and commentators. Some groups have called for a broader coalition of political leaders, traditional institutions and religious bodies to speak out against what they describe as the erosion of civil liberties.
Meanwhile, supporters of the government have dismissed Atiku’s claims as politically motivated, arguing that opposition figures are exploiting individual cases to score points ahead of future elections. They insist that the administration remains committed to democratic principles and the rule of law.
Despite these differing perspectives, observers note that Musa’s case has become a symbol of wider anxieties about the direction of governance in Nigeria. For many citizens, the issue is not only about one detained critic but about whether Nigerians can freely express dissatisfaction with their leaders without fear of arrest.
Atiku concluded his statement by urging the Tinubu administration to demonstrate its commitment to democracy by ordering Musa’s immediate release and ensuring that security agencies respect constitutional rights. He warned that history would judge harshly any government that prioritises silencing dissent over safeguarding freedom.
“A government confident in its performance does not fear criticism,” he said. “It engages, it listens and it corrects its course. Nigeria deserves a leadership that sees dissent not as an enemy, but as an essential pillar of democracy.”
As calls for Musa’s release continue to mount, the case is likely to remain a focal point in the ongoing national conversation about human rights, accountability and the limits of state power in Nigeria’s democracy.
