Atiku Abubakar condemns the Cybercrimes Act abuse in Niger State, demanding the release of student Abubakar Mokwa and protection of free speech.
Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the recent Cybercrimes Act abuse following the arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL).
Mokwa has been detained for over a week after allegedly expressing his opinion about Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State.
In a public statement, Atiku described the arrest as “outrageous and unacceptable,” warning that such incidents reflect a troubling slide toward intolerance and political persecution in Nigeria.
“The continued Cybercrimes Act abuse is a dangerous trend that erodes freedom of speech and silences dissent,” he said.
“Let it be clear: defamation is a civil matter, not a criminal offense. To weaponize it for political witch-hunts is a betrayal of justice and a grave assault on democracy itself,” Atiku added. He criticized the ruling party for misusing state power to intimidate citizens, journalists, and opposition figures through arbitrary arrests.
Atiku called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mokwa, describing the law’s misuse as tyranny in disguise.
“This is a clear case of Cybercrimes Act abuse, which has no place in a democratic society that respects student rights and human rights,” he said.
He stressed that laws protecting against cyberstalking and cyberbullying should never be exploited to muzzle critics or suppress truth.
“Our nation already has adequate laws to address defamation without resorting to draconian tactics. The continued Cybercrimes Act abuse undermines public confidence in our legal system and threatens freedom of speech,” Atiku said.
The arrest of Mokwa has sparked outrage among human rights organizations, civil society groups, and student associations, who argue that the Cybercrimes Act has increasingly been used to silence critics rather than tackle genuine cybercrime.
Analysts say the case highlights the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s online legal framework to protect citizens from political persecution.
Atiku emphasized the broader implications for democracy in Nigeria. “When citizens, especially students, cannot express their opinions without fear of imprisonment, the very foundation of democracy is under threat. The Cybercrimes Act abuse is being used to intimidate, not to protect,” he noted.
Experts agree that while cybercrime laws are necessary to prevent fraud, harassment, and other online crimes, their misuse to criminalize expression is dangerous.
“The law must protect citizens, not punish them for exercising their right to freedom of speech,” said a legal analyst familiar with the case.
Atiku also urged the government to repeal or comprehensively amend the Cybercrimes Act.
“It is vital that this law no longer becomes a tool for silencing citizens or waging war against democracy and human rights. The Cybercrimes Act abuse must end now,” he stressed.
Civil society advocates have reiterated the need to safeguard students’ rights and ensure that freedom of speech is respected.
“The detention of Mokwa under these circumstances is alarming. Students should feel safe to express themselves without fear of political persecution,” said a human rights advocate.
Atiku’s condemnation comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face criticism over its treatment of dissenting voices.
Reports of journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens being detained under the Cybercrimes Act have become increasingly common, reinforcing the perception of the law as a tool for political control rather than protection.
“Every Nigerian deserves the right to speak freely without intimidation,” Atiku concluded.
“We must defend freedom of speech, protect student rights, and end the ongoing Cybercrimes Act abuse. History will not be kind to those who criminalize truth.”
The case of Abubakar Isah Mokwa has reignited national debate on civil liberties, political persecution, and the misuse of legal instruments to silence dissent.
Observers continue to monitor how authorities will respond, noting that government actions will either strengthen or undermine public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
With increasing calls for reform, it is clear that the Cybercrimes Act abuse cannot continue unchecked. Protecting human rights and freedom of expression remains critical to Nigeria’s democratic future.
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