- HE, Uba Sanni, Governor of Kaduna State
By Emmanuel Thomas l Tuesday, Sept 22, 2026
KADUNA — International human rights watchdog Amnesty International has raised a strong alarm over what it describes as an escalating “reign of impunity” in Kaduna State, warning that political opponents, social activists, and vocal critics of Governor Uba Sani’s administration are facing severe threats of state-backed harassment, unlawful detention, and arbitrary abductions.
The rights organization declared that opposition political activities are being systematically targeted through violent attacks and institutional repression, creating a “toxic climate of fear” across the state.
According to a statement released by the advocacy group, the latest casualty in this expanding crackdown is opposition figure and youth leader Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi. Sanusi was arbitrarily picked up on the night of September 21, 2026, at Aruwa Plaza in Kaduna metropolis by operatives belonging to the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
Sanusi’s arrest follows closely on the heels of another high-profile detention earlier this month. In early September, Zaria-based commentator Isah Fresh was unlawfully arrested after he posted a social media video offering direct public criticisms of Governor Uba Sani’s government policies and administration.
Amnesty International cautioned law enforcement agencies—particularly the Nigeria Police Force—against allowing themselves to be converted into instruments of political victimization by state actors.
”The Nigerian police must always uphold the 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, association, and opinion,” the rights body warned.
The recent arrests reflect a broader, deep-seated pattern of civic space contraction in Kaduna State. Since Governor Uba Sani assumed office in May 2023, human rights monitors and local civil society groups have repeatedly flagged an increasing intolerance toward political dissent and digital expression.
The current political dynamic in Kaduna remains volatile, driven by fractures within the ruling party and intensifying rivalries with opposition coalitions. Critics, bloggers, political organizers, and ordinary citizens posting commentary on platforms like Facebook and TikTok have routinely faced arrests by various security outfits—including the Department of State Services (DSS) and specialized police tactical units like “Operation Fushin Kada”.
This latest incident mirrors similar clampdowns across the state:
June 2026: Human rights organizations called out the abduction of political commentator Jonah Bonet (popularly known as “Pompo”), who was taken at gunpoint from his residence by armed operatives over a viral video criticizing state governance.
December 2025: The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) condemned the arrest and detention of activist Abubakar Idris (“Comrade Danhabu”) under vague cybercrime allegations after he questioned state policy.
Early Crackdowns: Multiple political organizers and former party loyalists have faced arbitrary detention following disagreements with the state administration.
Legal experts and civil rights activists point out that using federal security apparatuses like the IRT to police local political discourse violates fundamental rights guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as international treaties such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Rights defenders continue to demand the immediate, unconditional release of Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi, Isah Fresh, and all individuals held solely for exercising their fundamental freedoms, urging the Kaduna State Government to embrace constitutional democratic engagement rather than coercion.