Niger State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai, who is also known for his frequent criticism of the state government.
Mokwa was reportedly picked up from his residence in Lapai on Wednesday night and transferred to the Police Headquarters in Dutsen Kura Hausa, Minna, following allegations of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and other cybercrime-related offences against the Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago.
According to sources, the arrest came after Mokwa allegedly referred to the governor as ‘Governor Amunike’ in a series of social media posts criticizing government policies.
The nickname ‘Governor Amunike’ – drawn from the name of former Super Eagles footballer Emmanuel Amunike – has become a social media slang used mockingly to describe politicians perceived as boastful or underperforming.
Mokwa, before his arrest, had shared a post expressing concern over unusual police movement around his residence. In one of his last public statements, he wrote:
‘Two officers from the Lapai division came looking for me. I wasn’t around, but they met my roommate. If anything happens to me, they know the policemen who came. I only stand for the truth and will never back down.’
The student had also recently posted several critical commentaries on social media, accusing the state government of neglecting key issues such as banditry, flood response, unpaid pensions, and underfunding of public institutions.
He particularly urged Governor Bago to focus on ‘real problems affecting ordinary people’ instead of ‘public relations appearances on national television.’
Attempts by reporters to get an official response from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, initially proved unsuccessful.
However, in a statement later made available to Saturday Tribune on Friday, Abiodun confirmed the arrest.
‘The Niger State Police Command received a criminal complaint bordering on cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and other cybercrime-related offences against one Abubakar Isah Mokwa, 29, a postgraduate student of IBBUL,’ the statement read.
‘Consequently, the suspect was invited and arrested by the Lapai Division on October 23, 2025, around 11:00 p.m., and transferred to the State Police Command Headquarters, Minna, for further investigation.’
The police spokesperson assured that the matter is under investigation and that further updates will be made public.