President Bola Tibubu has come under attack over the detention of social media commentator Abubakar Salim Musa at the Keffi Correctional Centre.
Musa, popularly known as @AM_Saleeeem on X, was reportedly arrested on January 11, 2026, for reportedly censuring President Bola Tinubu’s administration, according to Amnesty International Nigeria.
Amnesty also said that the President’s critic was later remanded in prison, saying that Musa’s ordeal reflects an increasing clampdown on young Nigerians who express their opinions online, noting that many have been subjected to threats, arrests, illegal detention and harassment for criticising those in power.
“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 declared.
The narrative has drawn Tinubu opprobrium online with netizens, activists and political leaders describing it as an attack on free speech.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, is one of those who tore into the President.
This is he did via
his verified X handle, where he claimed that the the activist was being prepared for what it described as a sham trial based on bogus charges.
Describing Musa’s detention as “yet another disturbing example of the Tinubu administration baring its fangs against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online criticism,” 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,” the chieftain of the African Democratic Congress alleged.
