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Amnesty International has expressed concern over the arrest of a critic, Mr. Jonah Bonet, also known as Pompo, for allegedly criticising the government of Kaduna state, and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the human rights group said Bonet did not commit any crime, describing his arrest as a “clear abuse of power”.
Amnesty said Bonet was perfectly within his right to criticise any government official, no matter his position or status.
The statement reads, “On 23 of June 2026 at 8:15 p.m armed operatives of ‘Operation Fushin Kada’ invaded the residence of Jonah Bonet in Abuja and took him away at gunpoint in the presence of his wife and children.
“Mr. Bonet is clearly being punished for a viral social media video criticising Governor Uba Sani.
“Despite all efforts his family and lawyers have been denied access to him.
“Infact, security agencies have refused to make his exact whereabouts known.”
Amnesty charged Nigerian security agencies to always uphold due process of law and not become a tool in the hands of politicians by carrying out arbitrary arrest, detention, and other undue restrictions of the rights of individuals to the legitimate exercise of their freedom of expression and opinion.
“Kaduna state government is increasingly becoming repressive by targeting critics and undermining freedom of expression.
“This is creating a toxic climate of fear in the state,” the statement reads in part.
The group emphasised that no one deserved to be punished for simply criticising a state governor.
Calling for the critic’s unconditional release, the group said, “Nigerians who use social media to comment on social and political issues are being subjected to more intimidation.
“Using repressive tactics to control what Nigerians do on social media is an unacceptable violation of human rights.
“Jonah Bonet must be released immediately and unconditionally.
“The duty of authorities is to enable and uphold every person’s human rights.”
