On April 7, 2026, Abdulmumin Imam, an Abuja-based social media commentator and activist, was detained by the police for two days over Facebook posts alleging the diversion of palliatives meant for vulnerable residents of Taraba State.
Imam was later released on April 9, after mounting public pressure and media reports drew attention to his detention. He said he was held without access to food and water during the period.
According to Imam, his arrest stemmed from two Facebook posts he made in March questioning the handling of relief materials by the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA). In one of the posts, he alleged that rice and groundnut oil meant for poor residents were diverted and sold in Kano.
He later shared a post referencing the agency’s Executive Secretary, raising concerns about the distribution of relief items and asking whether due process was being followed.
Following the posts, Imam said the official, through a mutual contact, demanded a public apology within 48 hours, insisting the allegations were false.
Imam disclosed that he subsequently received an invitation from the Taraba State Police Command over allegations of defamation, cyberbullying, and criminal intimidation. While he initially proposed a later date to honour the invitation, he agreed to meet with a police officer in Abuja.
However, what was meant to be a meeting reportedly turned into an arrest. Imam said he was accosted, taken into custody, and moved to the FCT Criminal Investigation Department before being transferred to a detention facility.
He alleged that he was subjected to harsh conditions during detention and later transported by road to Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, despite raising concerns about his condition.
Imam said he was eventually released upon arrival in Jalingo, after intervention from senior police authorities.
