Amnesty International and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Governorship Campaign Council have raised concerns over the reported arrest and alleged abduction of Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi, a grassroots political activist and critic of the Kaduna State Government.
According to a statement by the ADC Governorship Campaign Council, in Kaduna State, Sanusi was reportedly taken on the night of September 21 at Aruwa Plaza in Kaduna by operatives of the police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
The development has sparked fresh concerns over the treatment of opposition figures and critics of the Kaduna State Government.
Amnesty Raises Concern Over Arrests
Amnesty International said it was concerned that critics of the Kaduna State Government were increasingly facing threats of arrest and abduction, while opposition political activities were being subjected to attacks and other restrictions.
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The organisation described Sanusi as the latest alleged victim and said he was “arbitrarily arrested” by the IRT.
Amnesty also cited the recent arrest of Zaria-based social media commentator Isah Fresh, who it said was detained over a video criticising Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
The international human rights organisation called on the police to uphold due process and refrain from arbitrary arrests, detention and restrictions on freedom of expression, association and opinion.
ADC Demands Investigation
The ADC Governorship Campaign Council condemned what it described as the reported “commando-style” abduction of Sanusi and called for his immediate and safe return.
The council said political opposition and criticism of government were not crimes, stressing that citizens were constitutionally entitled to express their views, associate with others and participate in political activities.
It urged the Kaduna State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sanusi’s disappearance and identify and prosecute anyone found responsible.
Dadiyata Case Recalled
The ADC also recalled the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, a political commentator and critic who was abducted from his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna.
The council said Dadiyata’s whereabouts remained unknown years after his disappearance and warned against a repeat of the case.
“We must not allow another Dadiyata case to emerge in Kaduna,” the statement said.
The ADC urged Governor Uba Sani to ensure that political differences were resolved through debate, elections and the courts rather than intimidation or the use of state power against political opponents.
The allegations surrounding Sanusi’s arrest or disappearance could not be independently confirmed from the official Kaduna State Police Command or other security agencies at the time of filing this report.
Amnesty International’s Nigeria office continues to document concerns around arbitrary arrests and the treatment of critics and journalists.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.