In a development that has sparked widespread debate about freedom of expression in Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force has detained popular TikTok content creator, Ishaq Abubakar Major, in Abuja. His arrest is reportedly connected to allegations of defamation against Senator Shehu Umar Buba, a prominent lawmaker representing Bauchi South Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
The Arrest
According to reports from SaharaReporters, Major was arrested at Maraba-Nyanya junction in Abuja by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID). He was subsequently taken to the FCID Headquarters, where he is currently being detained.
Major’s detention stems from videos he posted on TikTok in which he accused Senator Shehu Buba of having links with bandit groups operating in parts of Nigeria. In one of his videos, he referenced reports by SaharaReporters that had earlier made similar claims, questioning why the Senator had not pursued legal action if the allegations were false.
“This newspaper (SaharaReporters) described Senator Buba as a senator that has a relationship with bandits… There is no newspaper that would publish false allegations against him without taking them to court, because he has the money to do so... Because he knows the allegations are not false, that is why he has not gone to court,” Major stated in one of his TikTok videos.
These comments appear to have drawn the ire of the Senator and prompted the filing of a complaint, which led to police action against the TikToker.
Background on Senator Shehu Buba
Senator Shehu Buba has been a controversial figure in Nigerian politics in recent years. Beyond his legislative role, he has faced a series of allegations and criticisms, including reports of striking a peace deal with notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, being linked to sectarian tensions in Plateau State, and demolishing a church to pave the way for the construction of a mosque project.
While his supporters have dismissed many of these claims as politically motivated attacks, his critics argue that he has not adequately addressed the allegations in a transparent manner. Against this backdrop, Ishaq Major’s videos tapped into public skepticism about the Senator’s activities.
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
The arrest of Ishaq Major has reignited national conversations about freedom of speech, defamation laws, and the role of law enforcement in democratic societies. Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees citizens the right to freedom of expression under Section 39. However, this right is not absolute and can be limited by defamation laws, national security provisions, and cybercrime legislation.
The Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 and defamation clauses in the Criminal Code Act are often cited in cases involving online commentary and social media activity. Critics argue that these laws are sometimes applied selectively or abusively, particularly when politically powerful individuals are involved.
Civil society organizations have pointed out that defamation is generally a civil matter, not a criminal one. Arresting individuals for alleged defamation — especially when it involves comments about public figures — raises serious questions about due process, police priorities, and human rights.
Civil Society Reactions
Several groups and individuals have condemned Major’s detention. The Visionary Leaders Foundation (VLF) released a statement calling for his immediate release. The organization described the arrest as “an attack on free speech and digital activism”, arguing that the TikToker was exercising his constitutional right to express his opinion on matters of public interest.
Human rights activists have also taken to social media to decry what they see as a growing trend of silencing online critics through arrests and intimidation. The hashtags #FreeIshaqMajor and #EndOnlineCensorship began trending shortly after the news broke, with many Nigerians calling on the police to release him unconditionally.
Defamation vs. Freedom of Speech
This case illustrates the delicate tension between protecting reputations and safeguarding free speech. Public figures, including politicians, have the right to defend their reputations. However, in democratic societies, criticism of political leaders is not only allowed but essential for accountability.
Many legal experts argue that if Senator Buba felt defamed, the appropriate course of action would be a civil lawsuit, not the use of police force to detain a citizen. Resorting to arrest and detention over online comments risks creating a “chilling effect”, where citizens become afraid to criticize leaders for fear of legal reprisals.
Broader Implications
Major’s arrest fits into a wider pattern of clampdowns on digital expression in Nigeria. In recent years, several journalists, activists, and online commentators have faced police harassment, arrests, or court charges over social media posts that criticized powerful figures or government policies.
This trend is worrying for a country that prides itself on being a democracy. The digital space has become one of the few platforms where young Nigerians can hold leaders accountable. Targeting individuals like Ishaq Major not only undermines public confidence in law enforcement but also raises concerns about Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values.
What Happens Next
As of the time of this report, the police have not released an official statement regarding the charges against Ishaq Major or the timeline for his release. Legal experts expect that he may either face formal charges under cybercrime or defamation laws, or be released on bail if public pressure mounts.
Observers are watching closely to see whether the Nigerian authorities will uphold the constitutional protections for free expression or continue down a path that many see as authoritarian and repressive.
Conclusion
The detention of TikToker Ishaq Major is more than just a legal case — it is a test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience. Will the government and law enforcement respect citizens’ right to criticize their leaders, or will they continue to use the law as a weapon against dissent?
As Nigerians debate this issue, one thing is clear: the outcome of this case will set an important precedent for how digital expression and political criticism are treated in the country moving forward.
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