Amnesty International Condemns arrest of Kaduna citizen Yusuf Umar Garkuwa for criticizing Governor and Speaker

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned what it described as the unlawful arrest and “imprisonment” of citizen Yusuf Umar Garkuwa for allegedly criticizing Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman.

In a statement issued today, Amnesty said Garkuwa had been receiving threats to his life for criticizing the governor and the speaker, alleging that he was arrested yesterday.

The rights body further claimed that he has been transferred to Kaduna Prison as part of a plan to subject him to a sham trial and deprive him of personal liberty. “Punishing people for dissenting opinions is a direct attack on freedom of expression,” Amnesty said.

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Amnesty stressed that criticizing the state and its institutions is not a crime. “Harsh and unlawful treatment of critics through the bizarre manipulation of the police and judiciary undermines rule of law. It is perfectly within the rights of Yusuf Garkuwa — and all people in Kaduna State — to criticize government officials and policies.”

The organization advised that instead of targeting critics, the Kaduna State Government should focus on urgently needed social services for the people and intensify efforts to end rampant banditry and kidnapping that continue to make life difficult in parts of the state.

As of the time of filing this report, the government has yet to respond to the allegations raised by Amnesty International.