Amnesty International

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Amnesty International has condemned the arrest and detention of five men by the Borno State Police Command over T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” in Maiduguri.

The men were identified as Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed.

The arrests followed an incident around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri on September 25, according to a First Information Report issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

The police accused the five men of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery. The FIR alleged that they printed T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” with the intention of causing a breach of public peace in the area. The charges were filed under Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.

The men were subsequently arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Maiduguri, where reports said they pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their lawyers also applied for bail, with the court reportedly fixing October 6 for a ruling on the application and October 26 for the substantive case.

Reacting to the development, Amnesty International described the detention as arbitrary and said peaceful political expression should not be criminalised.

The organisation said the men’s detention over the message on their clothing raised concerns about freedom of expression and political dissent.

“Hurriedly remanding them in prison and accusing them bizarrely of: “the intent to cause breach of public peace within West End Roundabout Community Maiduguri” simply for wearing a t-shirt with a message of political dissent is not a crime. Asserting political opposition is part of human rights.”

Amnesty called for the immediate release of the five men and urged the authorities to discontinue any prosecution based on what it described as improper charges.

“The authorities must immediately release all of those detained and drop any purported plan to put them through a sham trial based on bogus charges. The right to show and express political opinion is not exclusive to only one political party.”

The rights organisation also accused authorities in Borno State of increasingly using arrests and detention against opposition parties and their supporters.

It urged the state government and police to respect freedom of expression and association and ensure that political dissent is not criminalised.

Amnesty further called on the government of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of citizens to express their political opinions peacefully.

Reports that the arrests followed a directive from the Borno State Government have circulated in connection with the case, but those allegations have not been independently verified. The police FIR cited the alleged conduct of the five men as the basis for the charges.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

At least six inmates have died within a week following a suspected cholera outbreak at the 115-year-old Kurmawa Maximum Prison in Kano, with Amnesty International Nigeria calling on the authorities to declare an emergency and take immediate action to prevent further deaths.

The rights organisation said a number of inmates are currently receiving treatment as the suspected disease continues to spread within the prison. It warned that the actual number of deaths could be higher.

Amnesty particularly raised concern over the condition of critically ill inmates and called for their immediate transfer to hospitals for appropriate medical treatment.

The organisation also expressed concern about the large number of awaiting-trial inmates held at the facility, noting that some prisoners can spend years behind bars without being convicted of a crime.

According to Amnesty, overcrowding, poor sanitation, inadequate food and limited access to healthcare remain serious problems in Nigeria’s correctional facilities.

It warned that failure by the authorities to respond urgently to the situation at Kurmawa Prison could result in additional deaths and potentially amount to arbitrary deprivation of life, a serious human rights violation under international law.

Amnesty called for urgent measures to contain the suspected outbreak and improve conditions in Nigerian prisons, stressing the need for the country to ensure that the treatment of inmates complies with human rights obligations and international standards.

By Uzair Adam

Amnesty International has called for a thorough investigation into a viral video in which Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, allegedly threatened political opponents at a campaign event.

Buba was reportedly speaking at an event organised by the Tinubu City Boy Movement when he warned opponents against challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the video, the commissioner was heard saying those who “point a finger” at his group would have their fingers broken, in what has sparked reactions among Nigerians.

“Whoever points a finger at us, we are ready to cut off that finger. We are now playing politics. Whoever points a finger at us, we will point a finger back. But whoever dares to challenge us again, we will break that finger,” Buba was quoted as saying.

Reacting to the development, Amnesty International Nigeria described the remarks as reckless and irresponsible, warning that such statements could create a climate of fear ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rights organisation, in a statement posted on its social media platforms, urged the relevant authorities to investigate the commissioner’s comments and ensure that political differences do not become a basis for intimidation or punishment.

“The Nigerian authorities must thoroughly and effectively investigate a viral video in which a member of Borno State cabinet was threatening opponents or those who belong to opposition political parties,” Amnesty said.

The organisation further condemned an alleged threat that those who refused to support the commissioner’s party would be punished, describing such conduct as unlawful in a democracy.

According to Amnesty, Nigerians have a constitutional right to freely choose which political party or candidate to support without fear of punishment or intimidation.

It said Buba’s remarks, reportedly made on August 29, were “reckless and irresponsible” and called on authorities to act to prevent impunity.

“Ahead of 2027 elections, some politicians are already overheating the polity through threats and intimidation directed at opponents. This is already creating a toxic climate of fear,” the organisation said.

Amnesty also urged political parties and politicians to publicly condemn statements capable of promoting hatred, discrimination, hostility or violence.

“Election is not war and those who belong or choose to vote for an opposition political party are not the enemy,” it said, stressing that political choices are protected by Nigeria’s Constitution, the Electoral Act and international law.

The controversy comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with Amnesty warning that threats against political opponents could undermine democratic participation and freedom of political choice.

Amnesty International has denounced a deadly attack carried out by armed men on the Irigwe community of Angwan Magaji in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where nine people lost their lives and 11 others sustained injuries.

According to the human rights organisation, the attack took place late on June 16, 2026. It stated that among those killed were two children aged five and four.

The organisation also reported that several victims were killed during the assault, while three women were allegedly attacked inside their homes during the night.

Amnesty International disclosed that efforts were still underway to locate some residents who remained unaccounted for after the incident.

Reacting to the development, the organisation described the attack as one of the most severe recent incidents recorded in Southern Kaduna.

“This is perhaps one of the deadliest recent attacks in the southern part of Kaduna State, with yet another rural community shattered by an attack in the later hours of the night,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation expressed concern over the continuing security challenges in the area. It noted that communities in Southern Kaduna have continued to face killings, abductions and other violent attacks.

Amnesty International called on authorities to take immediate action to safeguard residents and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

It further warned that repeated attacks and the inability to prosecute suspected perpetrators remain a major threat to the right to life of people living in the affected communities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to investigate the alleged killing of a 16-year-old boy, Bishir Malam Dauda, who reportedly died in police custody in Katsina State.

In a statement shared on Facebook on Saturday, the human rights organisation alleged that the teenager was “tortured to death through severe beating with iron rod” at the ‘Yankara police outpost in Faskari Local Government Area.

According to Amnesty International, Bishir was taken from his tsangaya school on May 7, 2026, after another boy reportedly mentioned his name during an investigation into the alleged theft of a bag of soya beans.

The organisation claimed that the teenager was detained without the presence of any family member or adult guardian and was pressured to confess to the allegation.

“The victim was picked by police from his tsangaya school on 7 May 2026 after a friend mentioned his name in relation to an investigation of theft of a bag of soya beans,” Amnesty International stated.

“Unaccompanied and without the presence of any adult relation, Bishir was tied by the police and asked to make a confession. He refused. Then he was tortured more until he became lifeless.”

Amnesty International further alleged that police officers later deposited the boy’s body at the ‘Yankara Primary Healthcare Centre.

The organisation said the incident reflects what it described as a broader pattern of human rights violations by some members of the Nigeria Police Force.

“What happened to Bishir Malam Dauda exposes a pattern of ruthless human rights violations in which victims are arrested and tortured until they either make a ‘confession’ or pay officers a bribe to be released,” the statement added.

Amnesty International accused the police of operating with impunity and urged authorities not to ignore the incident.

“This incident must not be swept under the carpet. Police officers involved in this atrocity, directly and indirectly, must be held to account,” the organisation said.

The group also noted that its research since 2016 has documented cases of alleged police brutality and abuse across the country.

As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Police Command had not issued an official response to the allegations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Amnesty International has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over what it described as a dangerous outburst directed at a journalist during a live television appearance.

The condemnation followed comments Wike made during an Arise TV broadcast, where he reacted angrily to a line of questioning. During the exchange, he said: “If there’s anyway to broke (sic) the screen, I would have shot him…”

The minister’s remark targeted Channels TV presenter, Seun Okinbaloye, and has drawn strong reactions from rights groups and media advocates across the country.

The incident took place during a media chat in Abuja on April 3. Wike addressed ongoing political tensions. He spoke on concerns about a possible one-party system ahead of the 2027 general elections. His comments came in response to views earlier expressed by Okinbaloye on Politics Today, where opposition worries, including those linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), were discussed.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Saturday, Amnesty International described the minister’s words as reckless and capable of encouraging violence against journalists.

“Apart from inciting violence, Wike’s remarks violated Nigeria’s broadcasting code that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is supposed to be enforcing,” the organisation stated.

The group warned that such statements from a senior government official could create a climate where attacks on media professionals become more likely. It added that the comment risks portraying journalists as targets for simply carrying out their duties.

“This level of violent intent coming from a member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet is unlawful and unacceptable. Mr. Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologise,” the statement added.

The development has also renewed scrutiny of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission. Critics have questioned why the regulator has not taken action, despite its record of sanctioning media organisations for perceived violations.

Wike’s time in office has been marked by several controversies. Observers say the latest incident signals growing tension between public officials and the media.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of worshippers following an attack on a mosque in Didinkowa village, Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Gunmen, believed to be members of the Lakurawa group, reportedly stormed the mosque on the evening of Wednesday, February 25, during a ‘tafsir’ session held after the Ramadan fast. The assault left at least five people dead and 19 others injured, some of them critically.

A witness recounted the scene after the attackers fled, saying, “there was pool of blood in the mosque after the attackers left.”

Reacting to the development, Amnesty International Nigeria expressed concern over the worsening security situation. The organisation said residents are now living in fear as attacks continue to threaten their safety.

The group criticised the Nigerian authorities for failing to address the persistent violence. It stated, “Consistently, the Nigerian authorities have failed to end these killings and protect people’s lives, property, liberty and physical integrity.”

Amnesty International Nigeria also referenced earlier assurances by Bola Ahmed Tinubu on ending insecurity, noting, “President Bola Tinubu claims he has repeatedly tasked security agencies to end the killing so that Nigerians can go to bed with their eyes closed, but clearly nothing has changed.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A new wave of public debate has followed the Katsina State Government’s invitation to Yahaya Masussuka to defend his religious preachings before a committee of scholars, with some analysts accusing Amnesty International and northern intellectuals of inconsistency in their reactions to similar cases.

The development comes after the state government released a statement on November 18 acknowledging that it had received complaints alleging that Masussuka’s teachings “contravenes the general principles of Islamic Law.” Authorities also noted that Masussuka himself had reported threats from members of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a.

According to the statement, the government escalated the concerns to the Katsina Emirate Council, where the Emir invited Masussuka and other clerics for discussions and cautioned all parties against preaching that could offend other Muslims. Despite that intervention, the government said tensions persisted. It explained that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda subsequently directed Masussuka to appear before a Committee of Ulamas to defend himself, after which standards for preaching would be set and violations addressed.

While the state urged the public to remain calm, the invitation triggered sharp reactions from Amnesty International and some activists who insist Masussuka’s rights must be protected.

Commentators Challenge Amnesty’s Position

Public commentator Abubakar Suleiman questioned why similar advocacy was absent when Kano authorities invited another cleric, Lawan Shuaibu Triumph, to defend statements some groups considered blasphemous. He said:

“The Amnesty International Nigeria and some Northern Intellectuals were asleep or in a state of limbo when Mallam Lawan Shuaibu Triumph was invited by the Kano state government… He appeared, defended his statements, and heaven did not fall.”

Suleiman argued that Amnesty International only found its voice when the Katsina government invited Masussuka, whom he described as “the ‘anointed’ Yahaya Masussuka (whom some people laughably expect to bring about a ‘revolution’ in mainstream Islam and its preachings).”

He accused the organisation and some northern intellectuals of “double standards or hypocrisy,” calling their intervention “a clever-by-half and calculated attempt to arm-twist a government procedure.”

Suleiman also advised state governments to stay away from organizing doctrinal debates, proposing instead that legislative frameworks and faith-based regulatory bodies like JNI or CAN oversee preaching. He noted that disagreements over religious messages should go before the courts, not government panels. He warned that continued direct intervention by state executives could place them “in a quagmire.”

Khaleel: Masussuka’s Teachings Resemble Maitatsine Doctrine

Another analyst, Ibrahim Khaleel, linked Masussuka’s ideology to historical radical movements. He wrote:

“Yahaya Masussuka’s ideology of Qur’anism is what Maitatsine preached in the 1970s. The only difference is that Masussuka has not picked up arms yet.”

Khaleel described Masussuka’s approach as involving “rejection of Hadith, rejection of mainstream Islamic scholarship, personal interpretation of the Qur’an, provocative sermons of puritanism.”

He argued that the government is right to be wary, especially given what he described as troubling advocacy from international NGOs. He said these organisations “are not friends of our fragile country” and referenced past allegations that they assisted hostile groups.

Khaleel insisted the Katsina government acted responsibly by inviting Masussuka only for a scholarly clarification, stating:

“The government hasn’t done anything more than inviting him to come before a scholarly committee to discuss his beliefs, just to ensure that he doesn’t be the next problem the government will spend a lot of money trying to solve.”

He also questioned the defense of Masussuka’s freedom of expression, asking:

“Wasn’t freedom of speech what has landed us in terrorism today?”

Khaleel urged authorities to regulate unconventional religious teachings to prevent potential crises and declared, “Let the panel discussion proceed.”

Katsina Government Pledges Caution

The Katsina Government, in its press release signed by Director of Press Ibrahim Almu Gafai, said the matter is being “judiciously handled.” It said guidelines for preaching will be issued after the committee concludes its review and that decisive action will follow any violations.

The state further appealed to the public to remain patient as the process unfolds.

Masussuka has not publicly responded to the invitation as of the time of this report.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Shock and outrage have trailed the appearance of a notorious militia leader, Babaro, at a government-backed peace dialogue in Faskari Local Government Area on Sunday. The bandit commander, long accused of mass killings and sexual violence, arrived at the meeting heavily armed and in a convoy, alongside his fighters.

Witnesses said Babaro and his gang openly flaunted their weapons, taunted residents, and bragged that “nothing will happen to them” despite years of terrorising communities across Katsina and neighbouring states.

Babaro is accused of carrying out some of the deadliest attacks in the region, including the massacre of more than 50 worshippers during morning prayers at Unguwar Mantau Mosque in August. Survivors say the bloodstains of that slaughter are still visible on the mosque’s walls and floor. He is also alleged to have raped women and girls in front of their families, and, together with fellow warlord Kachalla Isiya Akwashi Garwa, killed an unconfirmed number of people, particularly in the Faskari axis.

In Kankara, Malumfashi, and other parts of Katsina, his name has become synonymous with fear, mass abductions, and relentless bloodshed.

The decision to give Babaro and his fighters a seat at a peace meeting has left victims’ families devastated. Relatives of abducted persons, some of whom attended the dialogue, broke down in tears as they watched the same men who killed their loved ones sit at the negotiating table with impunity.

Amnesty International Nigeria sharply criticised the development, warning that privileging armed groups while silencing victims only deepens injustice.

“The mere notion that it is now acceptable for a group of people in Nigeria to carry arms that are solely used to kill people who are never armed is unbelievable,” said Isa Sanusi, spokesperson of Amnesty International Nigeria. “The assumption that those who are carrying sophisticated arms and decorate themselves with bullet magazines can accept peace or are ready to renounce violence is faulty. Nonsense.”

Sanusi questioned how bandits like Babaro continue to obtain weapons and logistical support while victims are left unprotected, marginalised, and ignored.

The Faskari meeting has reignited anger over the government’s controversial peace overtures to armed groups in the northwest, where thousands of people have been killed, abducted, and displaced in a decade-long wave of violence.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Amnesty International has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the brutal lynching of at least 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State.

The victims, who were hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano to celebrate Eid with their families, were attacked by a vigilante group and armed youths on Tuesday.

According to reports, the victims’ vehicle was blocked, and they were dragged out one by one, beaten, tied to used tires, doused with petrol, and set ablaze.

Disturbing videos of the incident show the victims pleading for mercy while onlookers cheered as the attackers used axes, iron rods, and machetes.

Amnesty International condemned the killings, urging Nigerian authorities to go beyond mere condemnation and ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

The rights group noted that the failure to punish mob violence has emboldened vigilantes to take the law into their own hands.

This incident is part of a rising trend of highway attacks by vigilante groups in rural areas, often carried out with impunity.

Amnesty International stressed that the government must take decisive action to prevent such violence, equip secure justice for victims.

The Nigerian police have yet to issue a detailed statement on arrests or ongoing investigations.