Critic Remanded as Amnesty International Condemns Rising Crackdown on Social Media Voices

A magistrate court in Dutse, Jigawa State, has ordered the remand of Abba Mu’azu Abiyos in prison until 24 November 2025, when his trial is scheduled to begin. Abiyos is facing charges reportedly linked to his alleged criticism of the Chairman of Roni Local Government Area, Abba Ya’u.

All attempts to secure his bail were rejected. He has been in detention since Wednesday, 12 November.

Amnesty International condemned the development, describing it as part of a recurring pattern in which police and judicial processes are manipulated to punish young Nigerians who criticise those in power.

The organisation said subjecting critical voices to intimidation and arbitrary arrest for speaking out is unlawful.

According to the rights group, Nigerians who use social media to comment on social and political issues increasingly face threats, harassment, and the risk of arrest.

Amnesty International warned that the use of repressive tactics to police online expression constitutes a serious violation of human rights, calling for an immediate end to such practices.