The Jigawa State Police Command has issued a strong defence of its decision to arrest and charge activist Comrade Abba Muazu Abiyos following allegations of criminal defamation against the Roni Local Government Chairman.
The arrest on November 12, 2025, drew condemnation from Amnesty International, which labelled the detention an “unlawful” show of “intolerance of dissenting voices”.
In an official rejoinder released Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Shiisu Lawan Adam stated that the arrest was made pursuant to a valid complaint lodged by the Roni Local Government Council leadership.
The complaint cited a Facebook post by Comrade Abiyos, published in Hausa, alleging corruption and misappropriation of public funds by the chairman.
The police maintain that, under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2024 and the Nigerian Criminal Code, allegations of defamation made via online platforms constitute a reportable offence.
SP Adam affirmed that the police acted within constitutional provisions, stating, “The arrest of Comrade Abba Muazu was not a violation of his fundamental human rights.”
The Command confirmed that after investigation, Abiyos was formally arraigned in court for the offences of cyber talking and inciting disturbance, contrary to Section 23 of the Cybercrime Act and Section 114 of the Penal Code Laws.
The police stressed that while citizens enjoy the right to free expression, this right is “not absolute” and does not extend to making “unverified, injurious, or defamatory statements” that damage reputation.
The police statement followed fierce criticism from Amnesty International, which strongly condemned the detention of Abiyos.
The human rights organisation argued that Abiyos’ arrest over his Facebook posts “shows utter disregard for the rule of law” and that “no one should be punished for criticising a government official.”
Amnesty International insisted that the activist must be released immediately and unconditionally, urging the police not to “become a tool in the hands of politicians.”
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