JUST IN: Amnesty International demands release of Jonah Bonet, condemns prolonged detention

Crime Diary, Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has expressed concern over the continued detention of Jonah Bonet, popularly known as Pompo, without being charged to court, describing the action as arbitrary and a violation of his fundamental rights.

In a statement issued on Monday, the rights organisation said Bonet had spent 13 days in the custody of the police unit known as Operation Fushin Kada, warning that his continued detention could expose him to the risk of ill-treatment.

Amnesty International alleged that Bonet was being detained for exercising his right to freedom of expression, insisting that he had committed no crime.

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The organisation claimed Bonet was arrested at about 8:15 p.m. on June 23, 2026, after armed operatives reportedly raided his residence in Abuja.

It further alleged that since his arrest, his family and legal representatives had been denied access to him and that attempts to enforce his fundamental rights had been obstructed by the Kaduna State Government.

“The process of his arrest was lawless and has left his family with trauma and pain,” the organisation said.

According to Amnesty International, criticism of public officials does not constitute a criminal offence under international human rights law and cannot justify arbitrary detention.

“Jonah Bonet did not commit any crime, and his arrest shows a clear abuse of power. It is perfectly within his right to criticise any government official, regardless of position or status,” the statement said.

The organisation further alleged that the continued detention of Bonet, without formal charges, suggested the authorities lacked sufficient grounds to prosecute him.

“In the absence of any substance to charge Jonah Bonet to court, he is being detained indefinitely and unlawfully, putting him at the risk of ill-treatment.

“Detaining Jonah Bonet solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression is unacceptable and shows contempt for the rule of law,” Amnesty International stated.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force had not publicly responded to the allegations.