The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of Alidor Jonah, a student of Bayero University Kano (BUK), who was reportedly arrested in Kano State and transferred to Ebonyi State over his criticism of a government official.
Jonah was allegedly arrested following a petition filed by Ebonyi State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Oguzor Offia Nwali.
The student, who has openly criticised the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, was reportedly picked up two days ago. His arrest initially raised concerns after his whereabouts became unknown.
However, the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police later confirmed that Jonah was arrested in Kano, transferred to Ebonyi, charged in court and subsequently remanded in custody.
His arrest has renewed concerns about the treatment of individuals who publicly criticise government officials.
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A similar controversy emerged in October 2026 when Chika Nwoba accused Offia Nwali and other government officials of involvement in the alleged diversion of funds meant for an empowerment programme.
Nwoba had claimed that the Ebonyi State Government approved ₦3 billion for the programme, with an initial ₦1 billion released to a seven-member committee for distribution to beneficiaries.
He subsequently petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that the money was diverted.
Nwoba also alleged that his petition led to his arrest and surveillance by security operatives. He claimed that police officers arrested his sister and used her to lure him into their custody.
According to him, officers who travelled from Ebonyi State eventually took him to the state police command in Abakaliki, where he was allegedly confronted and threatened by the commissioner.
However, Offia-Nwali denied the allegations, explaining that he was neither the chairman nor secretary of the committee handling the empowerment programme.
He also stated that the ₦1 billion released for the project was not paid into his ministry’s account or any account under his control.
Jonah’s arrest has brought renewed attention to concerns about freedom of expression and the treatment of government critics in Ebonyi State.
Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and share information without interference.
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