The Visionary Leaders Foundation (VLF) has demanded the immediate release of two Nigerians detained over online posts related to allegatio...
The Visionary Leaders Foundation (VLF) has demanded the immediate release of two Nigerians detained over online posts related to allegations against Senator Shehu Buba Umar of Bauchi South, describing their arrests as a threat to democracy and a violation of fundamental rights.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the group said: “The Visionary Leaders Foundation (VLF) is compelled to speak at this critical time concerning the arrest of Nigerian citizens following their online expressions relating to allegations made against Senator Shehu Buba Umar.”
VLF identified the detainees as Mr. Daure David, who was arrested by the Bauchi State Criminal Investigation Department for translating a Sahara Reporters headline into Hausa, and Mr. Ishaq Abubakar Major, also known as “Ishaq Major,” a TikTok creator arrested by the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja after sharing a video commentary on the allegations.
“His role was simply the translation and dissemination of publicly available information, yet he is being treated as though he committed a crime,” the statement said of David’s case.
On Ishaq Major, the group noted: “He is currently held without any clear evidence of wrongdoing other than exercising his voice on a public platform.”
VLF warned that the arrests point to a broader pattern of repression: “These arrests are deeply troubling. They illustrate a pattern of shrinking civic space, criminalisation of free expression, and intimidation of citizens who dare to engage in public debate online.”
Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, and Nigeria’s commitments under international law, VLF insisted that online civic engagement is not a crime. “Citizens today rely on online spaces — from Facebook to TikTok to X (Twitter) — to engage in civic participation, share information, hold leaders accountable, and mobilise for positive social change. These are legitimate extensions of civic space,” the statement noted.
The organisation expressed concern over the continued absence of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill, saying its passage would have offered stronger legal protection against arbitrary arrests in digital spaces. “The absence of this law leaves citizens vulnerable to abuse, and its revival should be a national priority,” it said.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations against Senator Shehu Buba Umar, the group cautioned against using arrests to suppress discourse. “If true, they demand urgent and thorough investigation; if false, they deserve to be discredited through transparent evidence,” the statement read. “Suppressing discussion through arbitrary arrests does not address the matter — it only deepens public suspicion and erodes trust in institutions.”
The Foundation called for a “thorough, independent, and impartial investigation” into the allegations against the senator, saying it should be conducted by competent authorities with oversight from human rights and anti-corruption bodies, and its findings made public.
The statement concluded with a warning that Nigeria is at a democratic crossroads. “Let the truth be established through due process. Let the people be free to speak. And let justice, not intimidation, prevail,” said Abdulbasit Muhammad, Executive Director of the Foundation.
As of the time of filing this report, Senator Shehu Buba Umar has not issued a public response to the allegations or the arrests.
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