According to Amnesty International, Dallah has been held in “deplorable conditions” at the Lafia Correctional Centre for more than 40 days since his arrest last year, without justification.
Global human rights body, the Amnesty International, has expressed deep concerns over the continued detention of Kabiru Ibrahim Dallah, who was allegedly arrested for criticising the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Laraban Shu’aibu Magaji.
In a statement, the human rights organisation described Dallah’s detention as unlawful, punitive and part of a growing pattern of repression against young Nigerians exercising their right to freedom of expression.
According to Amnesty International, Dallah has been held in “deplorable conditions” at the Lafia Correctional Centre for more than 40 days since his arrest last year, without justification.
The organisation alleged that there are plans to subject him to what it described as a “sham trial” based on “bogus charges”, noting that repeated efforts to secure his bail have been “bizarrely rejected”.
“Clearly, Kabiru Dallah is being punished for his opinions,” Amnesty International said, adding that his ordeal reflects increasing impunity by government officials who target young people for expressing critical views.
The rights group accused authorities of abusing power in a desperate attempt to silence dissent, warning that such actions are aimed at creating a climate of fear.
Amnesty International is deeply concerned by the unlawful detention of Kabiru Ibrahim Dallah over alleged criticism of the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa state Mr. Laraban Shu’aibu Magaji. Since his arrest last year, Kabiru Dallah has been detained in a deplorable… pic.twitter.com/KUlPcawHJb
— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) January 12, 2026
Amnesty International called for Dallah’s immediate and unconditional release, stressing that the right to freedom of expression is increasingly under threat in Nigeria.
The organisation further noted that many young Nigerians have faced threats, arrests, illegal detention and harassment for expressing opinions online, describing the trend as unacceptable.
"Kabiru Dallah is a victim of wanton abuse of power and desperate attempt to silence critics. This pattern of repression is always aimed at creating a toxic climate of fear. He must be released immediately and unconditionally.
"The right of young people to freedom of expression in Nigeria is increasingly threatened. A lot of young Nigerians have come attacks, ranging from threats to arrests, illegal detention, and harassment, all for simply expressing their opinions online. This is unacceptable and must end,” Amnesty International said.