By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Visionary Leaders Foundation (VLF) has called for the immediate release of two Nigerians arrested over online posts about allegations against Senator Shehu Buba Umar of Bauchi South.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Abdulbasit Muhammad, the group said the arrests “illustrate a pattern of shrinking civic space, criminalisation of free expression, and intimidation of citizens who dare to engage in public debate online.”
It explained that Mr. Daure David was detained by the Bauchi State CID after translating into Hausa a Sahara Reporters headline on the senator, while TikTok creator Mr. Ishaq Abubakar Major was arrested in Abuja by the FCID for a video commentary.
According to the foundation, “He is currently held without any clear evidence of wrongdoing other than exercising his voice on a public platform.”
The group stressed that freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international conventions, warning that attempts to silence citizens online amount to a violation of civic rights.
It further demanded an “independent, and impartial investigation” into the allegations against Senator Umar, saying that only transparency can restore public trust.
The foundation listed six demands, including the release of the detainees, protection of digital rights, and passage of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill.
“The arrests of Mr. Daure and Mr. Ishaq Major send a chilling message that free expression, particularly in digital spaces, is under siege. This trend must be reversed,” the statement concluded.