A civil rights organisation, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy, has accused the Kebbi State Government of systematically using Magistrates and Area Courts to harass and silence political opponents through frivolous charges and arbitrary detentions.
Speaking at a press conference held in Abuja on Monday, the group’s Head of Legal Services, Barrister Kalu Kalu Agu, alleged a disturbing trend of judicial and security system abuse aimed at suppressing dissent in Kebbi.
He said over 20 individuals believed to be critical of the government had been jailed without justification.
Agu, who spoke alongside the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Legal Support Forum, described the development as “a gross misuse of state institutions” and called on the judiciary in Kebbi to resist being used as a political weapon.
Among those allegedly victimised are Ibrahim Adamu Augie, who was reportedly arrested for posting a video on health concerns in the state, and Mukhtar Dan Baturiya, detained over public comments perceived as critical of the government.
Others include Ahmad Tijjani Musa and Ibrahim Bature, accused of merely expressing views on governance.
“These are not isolated incidents; they reflect a consistent pattern of suppressing civic expression through coercion, intimidation, and unlawful prosecution,” Agu stated.
According to the group, many victims were arrested without warrants, denied access to lawyers, forced to write confessional statements, and detained beyond constitutionally allowed limits.
