Police Arrest Activist over Taraba Relief Distribution Concerns

Uzoma Mba 

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Federal Capital Territory Criminal Investigation Department (FCT CID) have arrested a human rights activist, Abdulmumin Imam, in Abuja.

The arrest followed a petition reportedly filed by the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Echuseh Audu.

The development may be connected to the activist’s public comments calling for transparency in the distribution of relief materials meant for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable residents in Taraba State.

Imam, who is known for raising concerns on social media over whether relief items reach intended beneficiaries, was said to have been invited by the police in connection with allegations bordering on cyberbullying and defamation.

His lawyer, Charles Ude, in a letter dated March 30, 2026, confirmed that his client was willing to cooperate with investigators but requested a later date to enable him make necessary arrangements, noting that the activist was outside Jalingo at the time of the invitation.

According to the letter, the activist did not decline the police invitation but sought a more convenient date, preferably towards the end of April.

Meanwhile, authorities in Taraba State had earlier called for investigations into allegations circulating on social media regarding the distribution of relief materials in the state.

The Executive Secretary of SEMA was reported to have submitted herself to relevant security and investigative agencies, including the police and other bodies, for scrutiny over the claims, while urging a thorough probe of the allegations.

Police authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the arrest as of press time.