Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — Amnesty International has issued a sharp rebuke of the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force following the arrest and detention of Comrade Danhabu, a civil rights activist and community voice in Kaduna, calling the action unlawful and a serious threat to civic freedoms. The human rights organisation’s condemnation highlights growing international concern over civic space, freedom of expression and the treatment of activists in Nigeria’s northern states.
According to Amnesty International Nigeria’s official social media statement, Comrade Danhabu was arrested at his business premises in the Royal Market area of Kaduna on 8 December 2025 and detained by the police, reportedly spending a night in custody at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) before being released or held further pending investigation. Amnesty described the arrest as unlawful and indefensible, arguing that detention in such circumstances undermines individual rights and is part of a broader pattern of oppressive action against government critics and outspoken citizens.
The activist’s detention was apparently linked to a social media post in which Danhabu criticised local police conduct — alleging that officers had disobeyed presidential directives — a form of expression that, according to his supporters, falls squarely within the right to free speech. Amnesty International insisted that such criticism, even if politically charged, should not constitute grounds for arrest, warning that punitive enforcement against dissenting voices erodes democratic space and chills public debate.
Amnesty International’s response to the case is rooted in the organisation’s long-standing advocacy against arbitrary arrests and intimidation of activists across Nigeria. In past statements, Amnesty has documented similar incidents where authorities were accused of heavy-handed tactics — including arrests that appear aimed at silencing dissent rather than addressing criminal conduct — and has repeatedly called for accountability and respect for constitutional rights.
Civil rights observers say the incident involving Comrade Danhabu reflects broader anxieties among activists and human rights defenders over security and legal frameworks used to regulate public expression in Nigeria’s northern states. Kaduna, in particular, has seen periodic tensions between authorities and civil society actors, with critics arguing that activists are disproportionately targeted compared with other actors engaged in public discourse.
Amnesty International’s condemnation came alongside calls for prompt clarification from Kaduna State authorities and the Nigeria Police Force about the legal basis for Danhabu’s arrest, the exact charges — if any — brought against him, and assurances that his rights will be protected under both Nigerian law and international human rights standards. The organisation urged that any prosecution be conducted transparently, with all due process safeguards upheld, and warned against the use of vague or overly broad laws to penalise legitimate criticism.
Human rights advocates emphasised that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic governance and that activists like Danhabu play a vital role in holding governments and institutions accountable. They cautioned that arrests perceived as politically motivated could undermine public trust in the rule of law and discourage civic engagement at a time when Nigeria faces complex political and security challenges.
The Kaduna State Government, at the time of this report, had not publicly addressed Amnesty International’s statement or provided official clarification on the activist’s situation. Local authorities often maintain that security and public order concerns drive enforcement actions, especially when social media posts are interpreted as incitement or destabilisation — a rationale that human rights groups argue must be weighed carefully against constitutional freedoms.
The arrest of Comrade Danhabu has already sparked debate within Nigeria’s civil society and online communities, with many supporters calling for greater protection for activists and clearer guidelines that separate legitimate dissent from unlawful conduct. Legal experts note that the treatment of such cases will be closely watched as indicators of Nigeria’s commitment to upholding fundamental rights amid ongoing debates about freedom of expression, digital speech and state accountability.
Amnesty International’s condemnation underscores the organisation’s broader mission to defend human rights globally, particularly in contexts where state actions against activists may set troubling precedents. As Nigeria navigates its domestic political dynamics, the handling of cases like Danhabu’s will likely influence both domestic and international perceptions of the country’s democratic resilience and respect for civil liberties.
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