Abubakar Affan, who describes himself as a former soldier and vocal critic of the Tinubu Administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS), according to reports. His supporters and international human rights organisations have raised concerns about his arrest and demanded transparency on the legal basis for his detention.
Details about the specific charges against Affan remain limited. The DSS met with his legal team to outline the allegations and indicated plans to arraign him in court either today or by Monday. Those close to Affan have said he had been missing from public view before the DSS confirmed the detention to his lawyers and pledged to submit him to the judiciary within the statutory timeframe.
Human rights advocates often criticise enforced disappearances and detentions without charge in Nigeria, noting past cases where critics of authorities remained unaccounted for over extended periods and classifying such instances as violations of human rights norms.
Reactions in public commentary are sharply divided. Some argue that if Affan’s statements crossed legal boundaries or supported extremist causes, the authorities are justified in pursuing legal remedies. Others contend that political criticism must be protected and insist that authorities clarify the accusations and guarantee fair legal process.
At this stage, key questions remain unanswered, including the specific legal instruments being used to detain Affan and whether his alleged social media posts constitute criminal conduct under Nigeria’s statutes. Observers will be watching closely for the formal charges and any judicial actions in the coming days.
