The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement in Jigawa State has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of activist Comrade Abba Muazu Abiyos, calling it a direct attack on free speech and the right to speak the truth.
In a statement released on Friday by the state coordinator, Engineer Sani Aminu Taura, the movement said it stands firmly with Abiyos, who was arrested after he revealed how the Chairman of Roni Local Government “empowered” young people with wheelbarrows.
According to the statement, Abiyos posted photos on Facebook showing the wheelbarrows and the beneficiaries. Instead of addressing the criticisms, authorities reportedly dragged him to court, where he was ordered to be remanded in prison.
His next court hearing is scheduled for November 24.
TIB described the action as a violation of democratic rights.
“This is an attack on freedom, an attack on truth, and an attack on the people,” the statement said. “Speaking the truth is not a crime.”
The Take It Back Movement called for Abiyos’ unconditional release and demand that state authorities intervene immediately.
“We call on Governor Umar Namadi, the Roni Local Government Chairman, and the Jigawa State Police to free him without delay. The people are watching.”
TIB added that no amount of intimidation will silence the struggle for justice and accountability.
Earlier reports by SaharaReporters revealed that Abiyos, known on X (Twitter) as @AbbaM_Abiyos, went missing shortly after posting the photos of the controversial empowerment programme.
The images, which quickly went viral, showed residents posing with new wheelbarrows filled with yellow jerrycans items reportedly given out by the Roni Local Government Chairman as “youth empowerment tools” to help people sell water and small goods.
The programme has sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians describing it as embarrassing and out of touch with the harsh economic realities facing citizens.
Following his post, friends and associates raised alarm when they could no longer reach Abiyos.
“Where is @AbbaM_Abiyos?” one of his close friends, Yaya Abba, wrote online. “He disappeared after exposing the wheelbarrow empowerment.”
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