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Youth Activist Arrest Raises Fresh Concerns Over Comment-Based Detentions In Nasarawa

Reports reaching Ideal Reporters on Tuesday evening indicate that one Babangida Ibrahim, a prominent supporter of Nasarawa United Football Club, has been arrested and detained following an incident linked to Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Shigafarta, the Protocol Officer of the Ministry for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Engagement.

According to preliminary information, the arrest followed a misunderstanding between Babangida Ibrahim and Mr. Adamu Shigafarta while both were watching a football match at the Lafia Township Stadium. Remarks allegedly made by Babangida during the match were reportedly perceived as insulting and directed at Mr. Shigafarta. Although the exact nature of the comments remains unverified, the situation reportedly escalated, resulting in Babangida Ibrahim’s detention and his remand at the Lafia Correctional Centre.

The incident has reignited public concern over what many describe as a growing pattern in Nasarawa State, where youths are increasingly arrested or detained over comments and verbal expressions, particularly in situations involving government officials or politically exposed individuals.

Reacting to the development, the National Leader of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Attama Ibrahim Abdullahi, condemned the use of inflammatory language by youths, stressing that reckless utterances and verbal attacks undermine mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in society.

While acknowledging that Mr. Adamu Shigafarta has the right to seek legal redress, Comrade Attama appealed for restraint, urging that dialogue and reconciliation be explored as more constructive means of resolving such misunderstandings. He added that the leadership of the NYCN is willing to facilitate engagement between the parties to achieve an amicable resolution.

Meanwhile, the continued detention of Kabiru Ibrahim Dallah remains a concern, further highlighting anxieties over the increasing number of youths held in custody in connection with comments and expressions in the state.

Stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders and security agencies, have been urged to uphold the rule of law while fostering tolerance and proportional responses to disputes.

Youths have also been advised to remain watchful of their utterances, avoiding character assassination and other actions capable of attracting legal consequences, as the state seeks to balance law enforcement with civil freedoms.