A postgraduate student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Isah Mokwa, is reportedly battling worsening health while still being held in detention after criticising Niger State Governor, Umar Bago.

Mokwa has now spent 25 days behind bars, a duration his legal team insists is far beyond what the law allows, especially since no formal charge has been filed.

His lawyer, Ibrahim Usman Wali, on Monday faulted a fresh request by the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for extra time to assume control of the case. 

Wali said although they respect the DPP’s authority, the extension was unacceptable, stressing that the Police never followed due process from the onset.

According to him, the initial remand order did not comply with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL). He added that the court had even admitted it lacked jurisdiction over the alleged offences, making Mokwa’s continued detention unlawful.

He also argued that Section 228 of the ACJL cannot apply because of the glaring procedural errors and the prolonged custody.

Mokwa was arrested at home after posting online criticisms of Governor Bago. SaharaReporters earlier revealed that the arrest may have been politically driven, with sources claiming the governor instructed security agencies to slam the student with cybercrime, terrorism and thuggery charges. 

The First Information Report (FIR) also listed Governor Bago and Mokwa’s Local Government Chairman, Abdullahi Muregi, as petitioners—fueling speculation of political rivalry.

Human rights organisations have condemned the detention. Amnesty International described the case as a “sham trial based on bogus charges,” warning that it threatens civic freedoms in the state. The Police reportedly delayed releasing the FIR, a move that slowed down efforts to secure bail.

During Monday’s sitting, the magistrate court acknowledged the procedural irregularities but still relied on Section 231 of the ACJL to extend the detention pending the Attorney-General’s advice. 

Wali insisted this section only applies when the first remand was lawful, which he said was not the situation here.

He added that despite Mokwa’s declining health, the student remains mentally strong.

Wali expressed optimism that the recognised defects in the process, the DPP’s review, and their ongoing bail application at the High Court provide a clear route toward securing his release.

The case has been adjourned until November 28, 2025.