Atiku condemns arrest of IBBUL student, calls for repeal of cybercrimes act

By Shamsudeen Abubakar

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), allegedly ordered by Niger State Governor, Umaru Bango.

In a statement posted on Sunday, November 2, 2025, via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the former PDP Presidential Candidate expressed grave concern that Abubakar had been detained for over a week for merely expressing his opinion.

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Describing the development as both outrageous and unacceptable. Atiku warned that it signals a dangerous descent into intolerance and repression, where citizens’ rights are trampled and dissenting voices are silenced under the guise of enforcing the so-called Cybercrimes Act.”

He emphasized that defamation is a civil matter, not a criminal offence. “Defamation is a civil matter, not a criminal offence,” he noted, “To weaponise it for political witch-hunts is a betrayal of justice and a grave assault on democracy itself. The ruling party’s misuse of state power to intimidate citizens, journalists, and the opposition through arbitrary arrests has become a shameful routine that must stop.”

Condemning Abubakar’s detention, Atiku declared: “The continued incarceration of Abubakar Mokwa and others persecuted under this unjust law stands condemned. This tyranny in disguise has no place in a free society,” he affirmed, demanding his immediate release and urging all well-meaning Nigerians to rise in defence of free speech and civil liberty.

He argued that Nigeria already has sufficient laws to address issues of defamation without resorting to what he termed draconian tactics. He warned against cyberstalking and cyberbullying as a smokescreen to muzzle critics or suppress truth.

He therefore calls for the immediate repeal or comprehensive amendment of the Cybercrimes Act, which he said has become a convenient tool for gagging citizens and waging war against democracy, freedom, and dissent.

He concluded with a stern warning, saying, “History will not be kind to those who criminalise truth.”