Human rights advocates and concerned citizens are calling for urgent attention following the detention of a man held for five months in a Kogi State prison, allegedly over a Facebook post criticizing the State Accountant General.
The individual, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, was reportedly arrested in early February after publishing comments deemed critical of the state's fiscal management under the Accountant General’s office. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage online, with many questioning the legality and proportionality of the detention.
“This prolonged incarceration undermines the right to free expression and sets a dangerous precedent,” said a spokesperson for the Centre for Civil Justice, a rights advocacy group. “Criticism of public officials—particularly online—must not be criminalized.”
Legal experts have also raised alarms, noting that no formal charges have been publicly disclosed, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest appear to contravene constitutional protections under Nigeria’s laws on freedom of expression and due process.
News of the detention has fueled viral outrage, with hashtags like #JusticeForKogiCitizen trending across platforms. Many users are urging state officials and lawmakers to intervene and ensure the immediate release of the detainee.
Advocates are calling on the Kogi State Government and relevant judicial authorities to review the case, uphold the rule of law, and reaffirm citizens' rights to express opinions without fear of reprisal.