The detainees
Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of 11 young men being held at the Maiduguri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, describing their detention as politically motivated and a threat to fundamental human rights.
The rights organisation said the 11 youths have remained in custody since August 28, 2026, and were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 1 in Wulari, Maiduguri, on September 8.
According to Amnesty International, the First Information Report (FIR) accused the defendants of “interrupting, shouting at and embarrassing government officials while they were delivering a speech.”
The organisation argued that the allegations do not justify prolonged detention and claimed the case reflects what it described as growing political repression in Borno State under the leadership of Governor Babagana Zulum.
Amnesty International said, “These bizarre charges and actions that followed have all the elements of political repression and abuse of power, as well as undermining the right to personal liberty, presumption of innocence, fair hearing, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful dissent.”
The organisation also expressed concern over what it called an increasing crackdown on peaceful dissent in the state.
It stated, “The increasing clampdown on peaceful dissent in Borno state is disturbing. How governments tolerate unfavourable views or critical voices is often a good indication of how they treat human rights generally.”
The 11 defendants were identified as Umar Sanda Mohammed, Yahaya Mohammed, Mohammed Ali, Abubakar Dauda, Hussaini Umar, Yunusa Salaima, Sulaiman Mohammed, Liti Adamu, Idris Yusuf, another Mohammed Ali, and Warrata, Na Hannun Gomna, Yambo and One Five.
Amnesty International urged the authorities to respect constitutional rights, including personal liberty, fair hearing, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly.
The case comes amid renewed public debate over the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria. Human rights groups have repeatedly maintained that citizens should be allowed to express their views peacefully without fear of intimidation or arbitrary detention, while authorities are expected to balance public order with respect for rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
