Facebook User Regains Freedom After Detention Over Post on Speaker Abbas’ Wife

In what appears to be another case of freedom of speech under attack in Nigeria, Suleiman Barde , a Facebook user who was arrested and detained in Kaduna, has now been released following public outcry and intervention by rights activist Omoyele Sowore . Barde was arrested and thrown into prison after publishing a Facebook post critical of Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas , particularly involving allegations concerning his wife. According to Sahara Reporters, the arrest raised immediate concerns among civil rights groups and Nigerians online, who decried the growing trend of using state machinery to intimidate private citizens over online comments. Human rights advocate and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore led the charge for Barde's release, publicly criticizing the abuse of power and calling for his immediate freedom. Sowore emphasized that public office holders must learn to respect the rights of Nigerians to express their opinions—especially ...