A student activist from Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), identified as Isah Mokwa, is set to be arraigned today (Monday) at Magistrate Court Chief 1, located in the State High Court Complex, Minna, Niger State.
Mokwa, a postgraduate student, was arrested last week after making online posts critical of Governor Umar Bago, allegedly referring to him as “Governor Amuneke.” The Niger State government has charged him with terrorism, cybercrime, and thuggery—accusations many describe as politically motivated.
His lawyer, Ibrahim Usman Wali, condemned the prolonged detention, calling it “a familiar bureaucratic tactic” used to silence dissent. Wali reminded authorities that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to free expression, including the right to criticise public officials.
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Global human rights organisation, Amnesty International, also weighed in, describing Mokwa’s arrest as “an attack on freedom of expression” and evidence of rising authoritarianism in Niger State. Amnesty called for his immediate and unconditional release, warning that criminalising criticism only undermines democracy.
“The governor of Niger must stop such attacks on free speech,” Amnesty said. “Criticising a president or governor is not a crime.”
Mokwa’s arrest has sparked widespread outrage among civil society groups, who warn that the misuse of police power and the judiciary to stifle criticism threatens Nigeria’s democratic values.
