Sulaiman Barde, who was unjustly imprisoned in Zaria by forces linked to the Zaria Local Government Chairman, has finally been released. And for this, I want to thank everyone especially activists, citizens, and justice-seekers who rose in unity to say oppression is unacceptable.
When this case first came to my attention, we were already contending with a grave injustice in Bauchi State, where Shamshudeen Bala Mohammed, son of Governor Bala Mohammed orchestrated the detention of a college lecturer, Dr. Abubakar Ahmed, for merely criticizing him online. In Barde’s case, the actors were more discreet but used the same tactics:ĺ abusing police powers to obtain a Magistrate order for detention even when the Magistrates have no jurisdictional powers in matters of cybercrime.
As public pressure mounted, the power players behind the scenes attempted damage control. A false claim was circulated that Barde had been released but it turned out to be a deliberate distraction.
When I confirmed he was still in custody, I personally obtained the phone number of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, and reached out. Unable to speak directly, I left a clear message that know you he was involved.
Eventually, Speaker Abbas responded.
First, he vehemently denied allegations about land allocations involving his wife and claimed Barde had “confessed” to spreading fake news.
Akso, he insisted he was not behind Barde’s detention. I reminded him that as Nigeria’s Number 4 citizen, he could publicly clarify the facts, not weaponize the state to punish dissent.
After a candid back and forth, he agreed to call the Zaria Chairman and facilitate Barde’s release. While they hinted at needing an “apology,” I firmly and respectfully maintained that no office, not even the Speaker’s office should be used for vendetta or unlawful detention.
Today, Barde is a free man, Speaker kept to his words.
Let it be known: no one will be left behind in this fight for justice. We must remain vigilant and united because the oppressors never sleep.
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