Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Zubair Zubair, a prominent activist based in Kano who has been an outspoken critic of the Tinubu administration.
Zubair was reportedly detained in Kano and subsequently transported to Abuja.
Zubair’s lawyer, Barrister Harun Magashi, confirmed his client’s arrest, stating that the DSS had handed him over to the Nigerian Police Headquarters in Abuja.
“Zubair was arrested yesterday by the DSS in Kano. Initially, he was in their custody, but they later transferred him to the police in Abuja,” Magashi explained.
While the exact charges remain unclear, Magashi indicated that the arrest might be linked to Zubair’s participation in the End Bad Governance protests and his vocal criticism of the current administration.
Close associate and fellow activist Nura Muhammad corroborated Zubair’s arrest, describing it as an attack on free speech.
“Zubair has been fearless in his advocacy for the people, consistently criticising the policies of the Tinubu administration. His arrest, while unsurprising, is deeply concerning and represents a blatant crackdown on dissent,” Nura stated.
Zubair is a known member of the Take It Back Movement, a group at the forefront of activism and civic engagement in Nigeria.
Growing Concerns
Efforts to obtain comments from the DSS and the Police Headquarters have been unsuccessful at the time of reporting. Activist groups in Kano and across the country are demanding Zubair’s immediate release, citing concerns for his safety amidst what they perceive as an intensifying suppression of free expression in Nigeria.
This arrest adds to growing tensions over the government’s approach to dissent and civic engagement.