Adamawa Government Critic, Gambo Nakura, Regains Freedom After 23 Days Behind Bars Over Alleged Insults On NSA Ribadu, Aisha Buhari, Others

YOLA – The political atmosphere in Adamawa State grew tense on Friday as fiery government critic, Mallam Hussaini Gambo Nakura, walked out of detention after spending 23 days in prison custody on allegations of defaming top political figures, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari.

Justice Christopher Mapeo of the Adamawa State High Court, Yola, granted Nakura bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one reliable surety, ruling that the charges brought against him were bailable. The judge further quashed earlier proceedings at the Chief Magistrate Court II, which had ordered his remand since September 10, 2025, and transferred the case to Upper Area Court II, Yola for continuation.

Nakura’s ordeal began after he accused Ribadu and Aisha Buhari of allegedly hijacking fertiliser and farm inputs meant for farmers while distributing expired food items to citizens. He was invited by the Adamawa State Police Command, arraigned the same day, and remanded in custody under what his supporters described as “draconian bail conditions.”

The activist, known for his sharp criticisms of government excesses, was also accused of defaming Dr. Modi Halilu, Aisha Buhari’s brother, and Mustapha Salihu, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East Zone).

His arrest and prolonged detention triggered widespread outrage among civil society groups, opposition voices, and activists, who accused Ribadu, Aisha Buhari, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and APC chieftains of orchestrating his ordeal in a desperate attempt to silence dissenting voices.

“The shrinking civic space in Adamawa is dangerous for democracy. The case of Gambo Nakura is nothing short of political intimidation,” said Mallam Sani Abdulrahman, spokesperson of the Concerned Citizens of Adamawa, at a press conference shortly after Nakura’s release.

But the Adamawa State Police Command rejected claims of political persecution. Its spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, insisted that Nakura’s rights were respected and his detention was lawful:

> “At no point was Mallam Hussaini Gambo Nakura unlawfully detained. If he is in custody, he is held at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility on the orders of a court, not the police.”

Observers note that Nakura’s case underscores a growing clash between civic activism and political authority in Adamawa, raising questions about the limits of free speech and the use of state power against critics.

For now, Nakura’s temporary freedom has emboldened his supporters, who vow to continue pushing for accountability and the protection of democratic rights in the state.