Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar, known on X as @AbbakarAffan, who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).

In 2025, the same Abubakar endorsed the jungle justice meted out to Deborah Samuel, the Christian girl killed by a Muslim mob for alleged blasphemy in Sokoto.

In response to a post on X calling for the arrest of Deborah’s killers, Abubakar said, “If today you committed what Deborah did in Sokoto. I’ll find you and send you where she’s now.”

Today, Amnesty is calling for his release, alleging that he has been denied access to a lawyer and family since his detention on February 10, 2026.

The rights group said, “Widely known for his activism against the genocide in Gaza, there was no justification for the brazen and outright violation of his right to freedom of expression.

The consequences of persistent state repression by the DSS are that it creates a toxic climate of fear and self-censorship, depriving people of the right to freedom of expression.

“Increasingly, Nigerians who use social media to comment on social and political issues face intimidation. Some have come under attack and threats of arrest.

“Using repressive tactics to control what Nigerians do or say on social media is a violation of human rights and undermines the rule of law.”

Amnesty’s post has been criticised by netizens, who accused the rights group of failing to conduct due diligence, following revelations on Abubakar’s anti-Christian posts.

@islemonjuice said, “Amnesty, you are retarded. Defending a terrorist is very crazy, shows you guys are not doing due diligence and can be bought.”

@SwitchNigeriaNG said, “@AmnestyNigeria You lost your credibility a long time ago, but shamelessly calling for the release of a religious bigot, who openly calls for violence against non-Muslims, proves how misplaced your priorities are.”

@StephenAyodel10 said, “You messed up here to be honest. Did u guys not do your findings at all? I mean, look at this.”

@ABanta5582 said, “You guys always jump to conclusions of advocating for the rights of individuals you know nothing about. What if he is charged on case linking him to terror groups? @OfficialDSSNG won’t just arrest someone like that without establishing if he is a threat to national security. Just allow them to do their job. If security agencies don’t work, you complain. If they do, you still complain. YOU GUYS ARE JUST HYPOCRITES hiding behind the curtains of human rights activists.” (The Guardian)