A human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and Amnesty International, a global human rights organization, have raised concerns over the detention and sudden disappearance of a Jigawa-based social critic, Abba Mu’azu Abiyos, popularly known on X as @AbbaM_Abiyos and Abba Muazu Abiyos on Facebook.
Sowore, in a post on his social media handles on Saturday, condemned what he described as a growing abuse of magistrate courts across Nigeria.
He wrote:
“It has become necessary, indeed very urgent, to begin documenting the names of those Magistrates of Infamy who have turned their courts into tools of oppression for the Nigeria Police Force and the politicians who weaponize them. Across the country, magistrate courts that should serve as the first line of protection for citizens’ rights have, in too many cases, become conveyor belts for unlawful detentions, fabricated charges, and the systematic humiliation of innocent Nigerians.”
Amnesty International also issued a statement the same day, confirming that a magistrate court in Dutse, Jigawa State, ordered Abiyos to be remanded in prison custody until November 24, 2025, over what authorities described as “criticism” of the Chairman of Roni Local Government Area, Abba Ya’u.
The organisation wrote:
“A magistrate court in Dutse Jigawa state yesterday remanded Abba Mu’azu Abiyos in Prison until 24 November 2025 when trial will begin over his alleged criticism of the chairman of Roni LGA Abba Ya’u. All efforts to get bail were rejected. Abba has been in detention since Wednesday 12 November.
“This is a familiar pattern of impunity in which police and the judiciary are manipulated to punish young Nigerians for criticizing those in authority. Subjecting critical voices to intimidation and arbitrary arrests for speaking out is unlawful.
“Increasingly, Nigerians who use social media to comment on social and political issues face intimidation. Some have come under attacks and threats of arrest. Using repressive tactics to control what Nigerians do on social media is an unacceptable violation of human rights. This must end.”
Background: Abiyos Went Missing After Exposing “Wheelbarrow Empowerment” Scheme
According to findings by SaharaReporters, Abiyos went missing shortly after posting photos of a controversial “empowerment” programme launched by the Roni Local Government Chairman.
The programme involved distributing locally fabricated wheelbarrows and plastic water jerrycans to residents.
The images, which quickly went viral, showed smiling beneficiaries standing beside the wheelbarrows loaded with yellow water containers.
The initiative was widely criticised online, with many Nigerians describing it as “ridiculous,” “insensitive,” and a poor reflection of leadership at a time when living conditions are worsening nationwide.
SaharaReporters noted that Abiyos popular in Roni for his strong civic activism and frequent criticism of local government waste disappeared shortly after publishing the photos.
Friends and colleagues say his last online activity was more than 24 hours before he was declared missing.
Several activists and residents took to social media to express concern over his whereabouts.
A close associate, Yaya Abba, wrote:
“Where’s @AbbaM_Abiyos?? This is the question many of us are asking following the sudden disappearance of our brother, allegedly after he posted about the local government chairman empowering his people with a wheelbarrow.”
He added:
“If the reports of his unconstitutional detention by the local government chairman are true, it clearly shows a disregard for the law and for the welfare of his people.”
Another user, Kawu Garba, also posted:
“Where is Comrade @AbbaM_Abiyos? It has been 24 hours since he posted, and his phone number is still unreachable.”
Similarly, activist Al’ameen called on the authorities to act:
“Our brother @AbbaM_Abiyos has been missing for 24 hours now, and rumors suggest his arrest is linked to his political posts. We’re calling on security agencies in Jigawa to release him immediately. #FreeAbiyos.”
With Amnesty International now confirming that Abiyos has been remanded in prison until November 24, the case has once again highlighted the growing use of security agencies and the courts to silence critics, especially young Nigerians who rely on social media to question those in power and speak on governance issues.