According to a post on X on Sunday, November 16, 2025, the arrest and detention of civic activist Abba Mu’azu Abiyos, popularly known as Comrade Abiyo Roni, has triggered widespread condemnation from human rights advocates and public figures. The activist was apprehended by the Jigawa State Police Command over a social media post criticizing the Roni Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman, Abba Ya’u, for distributing wheelbarrows and jerrycans as a form of youth empowerment amid Nigeria’s economic challenges. Abiyos remains remanded in prison until November 24, 2025, following a court appearance where he was charged with defamation, as reported by Punch.
Senator Shehu Sani, a well-known human rights advocate and former senator expressed strong disapproval of the arrest in a post on X on November 16, 2025. “The arrest and detention of Comrade Abba Mu’azu Abiyos in Jigawa state over his post on social media is unreservedly condemned and unacceptable. His fundamental rights to freedom of expression and right as a citizen to question his Government should be respected,” Sani stated.
According to Punch, the incident has drawn support from international and local organizations. Amnesty International described the detention as “a blatant abuse of power and a violation of fundamental human rights.” The organization emphasized that Abiyos’ criticism of public office holders is protected under Nigerian and international law, adding, “Detaining Abba Abiyos solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression is unacceptable and shows contempt for the rule of law.”
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