Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abuja, Nigeria — The family of human rights activist Abdulmumin Imam has raised serious allegations of assault and covert transfer against the Nigeria Police Force following his arrest in Abuja earlier this week, igniting debate over due process and the treatment of critics of government agencies. Police acknowledge his detention and involvement in an ongoing investigation, but they have firmly rejected claims of mistreatment and procedural violations.
Imam, a well‑known activist who has used social media to call for transparency in the distribution of relief materials by the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), was apprehended on April 7, 2026, after a petition was filed by the head of the agency, Dr. Echuseh Audu. The petition reportedly accused Imam of cyberbullying, defamation and intimidation related to his public posts questioning whether aid meant for internally displaced persons and other vulnerable residents in Taraba State was reaching its intended beneficiaries.
In statements to journalists, Imam’s elder brother, Imam Adam, described how his brother was invited under what he believed was a pretext of discussion, only for it to turn into a sudden arrest. Adam alleged that officers physically assaulted Abdulmumin upon his arrival in Abuja, with one officer slapping him before pushing him into a waiting vehicle and taking him to a police facility. He said the activist was first taken to the Federal Capital Territory Criminal Investigation Department before being held at the Special Anti‑Robbery Squad facility. Later, Adam claimed, an unregistered SUV carrying armed men in plain clothes arrived at the facility in the early hours of the morning and transported his brother to an undisclosed location, leaving the family uncertain of his whereabouts. The family has since demanded that authorities provide access to legal counsel and clarify the specific allegations against him.
A separate report on the arrest indicates that elements of Imam’s detainment may also be connected to broader public allegations against SEMA. According to this account, Imam’s criticism of the agency involved claims on social media that more than 10,000 bags of rice and over 1,000 cartons of groundnut oil intended for displaced persons had been diverted and sold outside Taraba State. These allegations had previously triggered public debate and calls for investigation, leading to SEMA’s leadership presenting themselves to various security agencies for scrutiny. Authorities with direct knowledge of the matter described how officers arrived at Imam’s residence in what was likened by some sources to a “Gestapo‑style” operation — an arrest that reportedly included a physical altercation when Imam asked officers to identify themselves.
In response to these claims, the Commissioner of Police for Taraba State, Morkwap Dongshal, confirmed that Imam had been taken from Abuja to Taraba as part of the investigation but categorically denied that any unlawful assault took place. He assured that Imam would be granted a fair hearing under the law and that the police leadership would personally verify the sequence of events upon returning to the state. Dongshal said he did not want to rely on unverified accounts and reiterated the command’s commitment to due process.
The Taraba State Police Command also issued a formal statement through its Acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah. The statement reiterated that the arrest was in response to several petitions and that invitations had been extended to Imam to provide his account regarding the complaints. The command stressed that Imam had been approached to assist with the investigation and denied any assault or unlawful detention. It further stated that if he was found not culpable after investigations, he would be released. The statement appealed to the public and media organisations to verify information before circulating unverified claims, underscoring the police’s stated commitment to professional conduct and respect for citizens’ rights.
When contacted for comment about her role in the petition, the Taraba SEMA Director‑General, Dr. Audu, forwarded a police statement but declined to address whether she had personally requested the police to act against Imam. Authorities have not yet disclosed detailed evidence supporting the specific allegations contained in the petition, such as the details surrounding alleged cyberbullying or defamation.
Imam’s lawyer, Charles Ude, had earlier written to the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Jalingo, Taraba State, acknowledging receipt of an invitation letter for his client and indicating that Imam was willing to cooperate with investigators. However, the lawyer requested that a more convenient date be provided due to short notice and Imam’s absence from Jalingo at the time the invitation was issued. Ude’s correspondence highlighted that the particulars of the complaint were not initially disclosed and stressed that his client intended to comply with lawful requests once proper arrangements were made.
This case unfolds against a backdrop of longstanding humanitarian and security challenges in parts of Taraba State, where communities affected by communal clashes and environmental disasters have frequently voiced frustrations over prolonged displacement and limited access to essential support. Calls for transparency and accountability in the handling of relief materials have been persistent, with community advocates and civil society groups pressing for formal investigations into allegations of mismanagement.
Critics of Imam’s arrest, including rights organisations and media commentators, have raised concerns about the potential chilling effect on civic engagement and freedom of expression. Observers argue that while law enforcement has a duty to investigate credible complaints, transparency and strict adherence to legal procedures are essential to maintain public trust and protect constitutional rights. They note that arbitrary or opaque detentions of activists can undermine confidence in security institutions and stifle legitimate discourse.
At the time of this report, Abdulmumin Imam remains in police custody in Taraba State as investigations continue. Authorities have pledged to ensure that his case is handled in accordance with Nigerian law, and that if he is not found culpable, he will be released. The situation remains closely monitored by civil liberties advocates, legal experts, and national observers who are calling for clarity, due process, and accountability throughout the investigative process.
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