Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Federal Capital Territory Criminal Investigation Department (FCT CID) have reportedly arrested human rights activist Abdulmumin Imam in Abuja following a petition linked to the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Echuseh Audu.
The arrest is said to be connected to Imam’s public calls for transparency in the distribution of relief materials meant for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable residents in Taraba State.
An Online news platform had earlier reported that the SEMA boss allegedly petitioned security agencies after the activist repeatedly questioned the handling and distribution of relief materials by the agency.
The Taraba State Emergency Management Agency is responsible for coordinating emergency assistance to displaced persons and other vulnerable groups in the state, which has experienced periodic humanitarian crises arising from communal conflicts and natural disasters.
Imam, who is known for using his social media platforms to raise concerns about governance and accountability, had publicly questioned whether relief materials meant for displaced persons and low-income residents were reaching their intended beneficiaries.
According to documents cited by the platform, the petition filed against the activist accused him of offences including cyberbullying and defamation following his public criticism of the agency’s relief distribution process.
A source familiar with the development told the platform that police officers later went to Imam’s residence in Abuja and took him into custody. The source also alleged that the activist was forced into a police vehicle during the arrest after requesting the officers to properly identify themselves.
The claims regarding the circumstances of the arrest could not immediately be independently verified.
However, Imam has reportedly maintained that he never refused to cooperate with investigators. Through his legal counsel, he had earlier indicated his willingness to honour a police invitation once adequate notice was given.
His lawyer, Charles Ude, had written to the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jalingo, Taraba State, on March 30, 2026, in response to an invitation letter issued to the activist.
In the letter, the lawyer confirmed that his client was willing to assist the investigation but requested that a new date be fixed to enable him make proper logistical arrangements, noting that Imam was not in Jalingo when the invitation was issued.
The letter partly read:
“We act as solicitors to Mr. Abdulmumin Imam in respect of your letter dated March 2026.
“Our client informs us that the said invitation was only recently brought to his attention. The letter references an investigation involving allegations of cyberbullying, criminal defamation and criminal intimidation. However, the particulars of the complaint and the basis upon which our client is implicated were not disclosed.
“Notwithstanding, our client is a law-abiding citizen and is willing to cooperate with your office.
“However, due to the short notice and his prior professional and personal commitments, coupled with the fact that he is currently outside Jalingo, he is unable to honour the invitation on the scheduled date.
“In the circumstances, we respectfully request that a more convenient date be communicated, preferably towards the end of April 2026, to enable our client make the necessary logistical and professional arrangements.”
Meanwhile, the online platform had also reported that Dr. Audu recently presented herself to security and investigative authorities following allegations circulating on social media accusing the agency of diverting relief materials meant for displaced persons.
According to the report, the SEMA boss approached several agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the office of the Special Adviser on Security to the Taraba State governor, and the state Ministry of Justice, requesting a full investigation into the allegations.
The claims, which first appeared in a Facebook post before spreading across social media platforms, alleged that thousands of bags of rice and cartons of groundnut oil intended for internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups were diverted and sold outside the state.
