In a development raising renewed concerns about executive interference with constitutional liberties, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch, has formally demanded the immediate release of Abdulmalik Usman Nagenu, the NNPP chairmanship candidate for the November 1, 2025 Bida Local Government election.
Nagenu has remained in police custody since November 4, following the controversial omission of both his name and his party’s logo from the election ballot — an electoral irregularity legal practitioners say should have been handled exclusively through the election tribunal process, not by arrest.
In a strongly worded letter dated November 18, 2025, the NBA Human Rights Committee condemned Nagenu’s detention as “a flagrant violation of constitutional safeguards”, noting the absence of a clearly defined offence or any formal arraignment before a competent court.
According to the association:
“Our client was arrested and detained without clarity on the alleged offence, and he continues to languish in custody in complete disregard of his constitutional rights.”
The NBA emphasized that prolonged detention without charge breaches the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The lawyers urged the Niger State Police Commissioner to exercise the responsibilities of his office by upholding the rule of law and human dignity.
Legal Action Initiated
Nagenu’s legal team has already filed a fundamental rights enforcement action at the Federal High Court, challenging what they describe as a “blatant constitutional aberration.”
Lead counsel, Ibrahim Usman Wali, stated that his client is held under “inhumane and dehumanising conditions” at the State CID facility in Minna.
Wali warned that the case transcends the liberty of a single politician:
“What is at stake is the integrity of our constitutional order. The state cannot detain a citizen first and search for a case later.”
The legal team confirmed that although the matter was initially brought ex parte, the court has ordered that the police be served — a directive that has now been complied with. A hearing date is expected soon.
Political Undercurrents and Electoral Concerns
Nagenu’s arrest followed claims linking him to a viral video purportedly showing an attack on Governor Umar Bago’s convoy. Subsequent investigations revealed the video was misleading and captured a condolence visit rather than an orchestrated political attack. Voices in the background were wrongly attributed to Nagenu.
Political analysts suggest the detention may be politically motivated, noting the candidate’s growing popularity at the grassroots level. The earlier omission of his name and NNPP logo from the ballot papers has further intensified scrutiny of the electoral process.
Awaiting Police Response
The NBA Minna Branch has stressed that the police must respond promptly and responsibly, insisting that constitutional rights must not be sacrificed for political expediency.
As the matter awaits judicial consideration, observers across Nigeria’s legal community view this case as a critical test of the country’s commitment to due process, human rights, and the independence of democratic institutions.
