Amnesty Raises Alarm Over Alleged Arrest, Abduction Threats Against Kaduna Critics

Amnesty International has raised concerns over alleged threats of arrest and abduction against critics of the Kaduna State Government, warning that the situation is creating a “toxic climate of fear” in the state.

The human rights organisation also alleged that opposition political parties in Kaduna are increasingly facing violent attacks and other forms of repression.

Amnesty International made the allegations while reacting to the reported arrest of Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi in Kaduna.

In a statement, the organisation said, “Amnesty International is deeply concerned that in Kaduna, critics of the state government are increasingly facing threats of arrest and abduction.”

It added that “Activities of opposition political parties are increasingly targeted with violent attacks and other forms of repression.”

The organisation alleged that Sanusi was arrested at night on September 21 at Aruwa Plaza, Kaduna, by the police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

“The latest victim of this reign of impunity is Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi who was arbitrarily arrested in the night of 21 September at Aruwa Plaza Kaduna by the notorious police Intelligence Response Team (IRT),” Amnesty International said.

It also cited the case of Isah Fresh, a resident of Zaria, who it said was arrested earlier in September over a social media video criticising Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.

“At the beginning of September, Zaria-based Isah Fresh was unlawfully arrested for a social media video criticizing the governor of Kaduna state Mr. Uba Sani,” the organisation said.

Amnesty International called on the Nigeria Police Force to uphold due process and avoid using law enforcement to restrict citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, association and opinion.

“Nigerian police must always uphold the due process of law and not become a tool in the hands of politicians by carrying out arbitrary arrest, detention, and other undue restrictions of the rights of individuals to the legitimate exercise of their freedom of expression, association and opinion,” it said.

The organisation said law enforcement authorities have a responsibility to protect citizens’ fundamental rights and warned that arbitrary arrests and restrictions on political and civic activities could further deepen the atmosphere of fear in Kaduna.

The latest concerns came after Amnesty International, on Sunday, September 13, 2026, raised similar concerns over the alleged continued attempt by police to arrest journalist Zainab Salihu Yabagi over a video explainer concerning Ibrahim Masari, an aide to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Amnesty International is deeply concerned that the police are still seeking to arbitrarily arrest journalist Zainab Salihu Yabagi over a video explainer on Mr. Ibrahim Masari — an aide of President Bola Tinubu. This is a clear case of disregard for due process and abuse of power,” the organisation said.

The statement followed the alleged invasion of JKD Radio/Television in Millennium City, Kaduna State, by armed police officers on Friday, September 11.

The station manager, Charle Abah, and a security guard were arrested during the incident but were later released.

“Even though both the station manager Charle Abah and the security guard arrested on Friday 11 Sept. 2026 were released, but Zainab is still being hunted,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation had described the alleged invasion of the station as an “unlawful and outrageous invasion”, raising concerns over what it said was increasing pressure on journalists and independent media organisations in Kaduna.

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