Nigerian Police Plot To Arrest Critic Of Borno Governor Zulum’s Administration, Ahmad Adumi In Crackdown On Free Speech
Adumi, who resides at No. 24 Damasak Street, Kumshe Area, Maiduguri, raised the alarm on social media after receiving reports that officers of the dreaded police unit were planning to arrest him.
Operatives of the infamous Maiduguri Police Crack Squad, popularly known as “Crack” or “SARS”, of the Borno State Police Command have reportedly launched a manhunt for a social critic, Ahmed Mohammed Adumi, over his public criticism of some state government officials.
Adumi, who resides at No. 24 Damasak Street, Kumshe Area, Maiduguri, raised the alarm on social media after receiving reports that officers of the dreaded police unit were planning to arrest him.
“I was just informed that some officers of the Maiduguri Police Crack Squad are allegedly plotting to arrest me over my open and lawful criticism of some government officials in Maiduguri,” Adumi posted.
“If this is true, then my freedom is under threat in Maiduguri, because no citizen should be targeted for exercising their right to free expression. I call the general public to take note and bear witness,” he added.
A source familiar with the matter told SaharaReporters that the Borno State Government has weaponised the Crack unit, originally established to combat Boko Haram insurgents, armed robbery, and banditry, to suppress voices of opposition and government critics.
“The Police SARS, popularly known as Crack, was created to fight Boko Haram, armed robbery, banditry, and illegal firearms. But now, the Borno State Government is using it to arrest those who are criticising them,” the source said.
He added, “One officer in the Crack Police Station, known as ‘Small,’ even called this guy’s brother and asked him where to find Ahmed. They are desperate to silence him.”
The situation raises serious concerns about the deteriorating state of civil liberties in Borno, where residents and activists say the government is becoming increasingly intolerant of dissent.
When contacted by SaharaReporters, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, simply said: “I will get back to you please,” and did not respond to further inquiries at the time of filing this report.
