The detention of social media commentator Abubakar Salim Musa at the Keffi Correctional Centre has sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, with netizens, civil society groups and political leaders condemning the action as an assault on free speech and democratic rights.

Musa, popularly known as @AM_Saleeeem on X, was reportedly arrested on January 11, 2026, over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and subsequently remanded in prison, according to Amnesty International Nigeria.

Amnesty International Nigeria said Musa’s arrest and continued detention reflect what it described as an increasing clampdown on young Nigerians who express dissenting opinions online. The organisation noted that critics of government policies have increasingly been subjected to threats, arrests, illegal detention and harassment.

“Salim did not commit any crime, and the harassment he is facing is clearly aimed at silencing him. It is perfectly within his right to criticise any government official, no matter his position or status,” Amnesty said.

The rights group further alleged that Musa was being prepared for what it described as a sham trial based on spurious charges, a claim that has intensified public concern over the case.

The detention has since triggered a wave of reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians calling on the Federal Government to respect the rule of law and uphold citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression.

One of the most prominent voices calling for Musa’s release is former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who demanded his immediate and unconditional freedom.

In a post on his verified X handle, Atiku condemned what he described as a growing culture of repression under the Tinubu administration, warning that the arrest and detention of critics pose a serious threat to democracy.

Atiku said Musa’s only offence was his consistent criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country.

“Rather than address the legitimate concerns being raised, the government has chosen intimidation,” Atiku said.

He warned that Musa’s case was not an isolated incident, alleging that several Nigerians, including journalists, entertainers, students and members of the National Youth Service Corps, had faced harassment or detention for criticising the president or members of his family.

According to him, the trend represents a grave danger to democratic governance.

“This dangerous pattern undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” he said.

Atiku added that Nigeria could not credibly claim to uphold democratic ideals while citizens were routinely arrested, assaulted or intimidated for expressing dissent. He therefore urged the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights.

He also called on the international community to hold the Nigerian government accountable and demand an end to what he described as a sustained campaign of arbitrary arrests and intimidation against critics and journalists.

Beyond political figures and rights groups, ordinary Nigerians have also taken to social media to express anger and concern over Musa’s detention.

Abubakar Umar urged the government to respect democratic principles, saying, “The Nigerian government should uphold the rule of law and allow everyone to speak his or her mind. Criticism in a democratic system is allowed in any country of the world.”

Another user, Whyte, described the situation as a test of faith, recalling that Musa once remarked that Nigerians have freedom of speech but not freedom after speech.

“I am less worried because I know the God I am serving and He never lets Salim down. This is just a process. Salim will be out, and in no time we will surely have a wazifa together, InshAllah,” he wrote.

Kie questioned the state of democracy in the country, saying, “So in 2026, speaking your mind in Nigeria equals jail time? Abubakar Salim Musa is not a criminal, he is just inconvenient. When governments fear tweets more than policy, you know freedom is dead.”

Engr Imran Kabir also condemned the detention, describing it as intimidation.

“This is not justice, it is intimidation. Young Nigerians are being punished simply for expressing opinions online. Today it is @AM_Saleeeem, tomorrow it could be anyone,” he said.

In a strongly worded reaction, Meek Oba lamented what he described as a breakdown of law and order, writing, “What can we expect in a lawless country where criminals are in charge.”

Add TheNigeriaLawyer On Google News _______________________________________________________________________ New Year Promo: Get Five Maritime Law Books For N150,000 — 63% Discount The promotion, which commenced on January 8 and runs until February 8, 2026, offers five core maritime law books authored by Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, ordinarily valued at N405,000, for just N150,000 — a 63% discount. Interested buyers can place their orders through the following channels: Phone: 0704 329 3271 Online Store: https://paystack.shop/aa-bookstore Website: www.akabogulaw.com _______________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola _______________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation

______________________________________________________________________ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. Bonus: Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.

How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com

Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626