A coalition of civil society figures and activists in Kaduna State has issued a strongly worded statement accusing security agencies of prioritising the pursuit of government critics over the fight against terrorism and banditry, warning that the state risks sliding back into an era of “indiscriminate arrests” and “shrinking democratic space.”
The statement, signed by ten individuals describing themselves as “Concerned Citizens of Kaduna State,” points to a series of recent incidents as evidence of a troubling trend: the arrest of activist Jonah Bonnet, popularly known as Pompo; the earlier arrest of activist Micah Musa, also known as MC Dangata; and what the group called an “informal invitation” extended by the Department of State Services (DSS) to constitutional lawyer and activist Dr. Kajit John Paul on June 23, 2026.
While acknowledging the constitutional mandate of security agencies to maintain law and order, the signatories argued that criticism of the government is not a security threat. “Citizens do not become criminals simply because they hold opinions that differ from those of government officials,” the statement reads, describing the right to criticise public officials as “a fundamental pillar of constitutional democracy.”
The group said the pattern of arrests and interrogations of activists was breeding fear among ordinary citizens and eroding confidence in democratic institutions.
The statement’s central demand is for the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS to redirect their attention toward what it described as far more urgent threats facing the state — terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and violent incursions that have displaced families and destroyed livelihoods across Kaduna communities.
The signatories singled out the recent killing of nine people, including children, in Ungwan Magaji Chawai, noting that the perpetrators remain at large while grieving families wait for justice. “Why are security agencies able to rapidly mobilise personnel against unarmed citizens, activists, and critics, yet many of the terrorists, bandits, and killers responsible for atrocities across our communities continue to evade arrest?” the group asked.
The statement also drew a pointed comparison to the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, recalling what it called “the painful experiences associated with the era of indiscriminate arrests, prolonged detentions, intimidation of dissenting voices, and the shrinking of democratic space” under his leadership. The group cautioned that the lessons of that period must not be forgotten.
Turning to the current administration, the signatories acknowledged that Governor Uba Sani has repeatedly pledged inclusion, dialogue, and reconciliation, but said those commitments “must now be reflected not only in words but also in actions.” The statement added: “The true strength of any democratic government is measured not by how it treats supporters, but by how it treats critics.”
The group called on government and security institutions to resist any temptation to criminalise dissent or be perceived as tools for settling political scores, insisting that public institutions remain “neutral, professional, and guided solely by the Constitution and the rule of law.”
The statement concludes with a series of calls to action, urging transparency around recent arrests and DSS invitations involving activists and critics, respect for due process and constitutional safeguards, protection of civic space, and a redirection of security agency efforts toward terrorists, kidnappers, and violent criminals threatening Kaduna communities.
“The people are watching. The nation is watching. Democracy demands better,” the statement reads.
The statement was signed by Steven Kefas, VS Ntong, Zariyi Yusuf, Ibrahim Akut, Edward Felelis (Atyotyap), Kaura Musa Ibrahim, Alheri Magaji, Reuben Buhari, Gloriah Ballason and Alex Musa Iya.
