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Take-It-Back Movement Condemns Illegal Arrest, Torture Of Islamiyya Teacher In Kaduna, Accuses Governor Sani Of Persecution
Take-It-Back Movement Condemns Illegal Arrest, Torture Of Islamiyya Teacher In Kaduna, Accuses Governor Sani Of Persecution
NEWS
The Nigerian Record
7/26/20263 min read
The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement in Zaria, Kaduna State, has condemned what it described as the "violent assault, illegal arrest, and state-sponsored persecution" of an Islamiyya teacher and songwriter, Ammar Rigasa, accusing security operatives and the Kaduna State Government of orchestrating his unlawful detention.
In a statement signed by its Zaria City Coordinator, Aliyu Ahmad, on Saturday, the movement alleged that Rigasa was "forcibly abducted" on Thursday by operatives carrying out "Operation Fushin Kada," which it claimed was led by police officer SP Usman Mai Bindiga.
According to the group, Rigasa was arrested while teaching pupils at an Islamiyya school.
"On Thursday, Ammar Rigasa was forcibly abducted by operatives executing 'Operation Fushin Kada,' led by the controversial and heavily politicised police officer, SP Usman Mai Bindiga. Adding to the outrage, the arrest was carried out while he was actively teaching inside an Islamiyya classroom, imparting knowledge of the Holy Qur'an and other Islamic subjects to young pupils," the statement read.
The movement further alleged that after his arrest, Rigasa was taken to an undisclosed location where he was subjected to torture and severe physical assault before being arraigned in court the following day.
"Following his abduction, he was whisked away to an undisclosed location where he was severely tortured and brutally beaten. The very next day, on Friday, he was brought before a Magistrate Court in a calculated move orchestrated by both the police and prosecution."
The group claimed that both the police and prosecutors were aware that the Magistrate Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter but allegedly proceeded with the arraignment to ensure Rigasa was remanded in prison custody.
"Both parties were fully aware that the court lacked the legal jurisdiction to hear the case, yet this maneuver was intentionally planned to guarantee his immediate remand into prison custody," the statement said.
According to the movement, the presiding magistrate acknowledged the court's lack of jurisdiction but nevertheless remanded Rigasa in prison for one month. It further alleged that the court was expected to shut down for two months due to an impending strike, a situation it claimed could result in Rigasa spending at least three months in detention unless urgent legal intervention is secured.
The organisation described the development as "yet another disturbing, lawless, and brutal example of the growing pattern of state-sponsored intimidation, legal manipulation, and suppression of opposition voices under the administration of Governor Uba Sani."
It added, "Democracy is built on the principles of freedom of expression, association, and political participation—not the criminalization of dissent and the weaponization of the judicial system."
The Take-It-Back Movement said it had begun mobilising a legal team to challenge what it called the unlawful remand order and to seek Rigasa's immediate release.
"We are mobilising a dedicated team of lawyers to intervene immediately, challenge these fraudulent remand orders, ensure his fundamental rights are upheld, and secure his prompt release," the statement added.
The group also accused the Kaduna State APC and allies of Governor Uba Sani of normalising the use of security agencies and the judiciary to suppress dissenting voices.
"It is deeply unfortunate that the Kaduna State APC and allies of Governor Uba Sani have normalized the use of security agencies and judicial loopholes to harass, abuse, and arbitrarily detain citizens whose only 'offence' is expressing views contrary to those of the government. Security agencies should be protecting lives and property, not serving as tools for political persecution and enforcement."
The movement further stated that it was documenting what it described as anti-democratic actions by the Kaduna State Government, including "politically motivated arrests, physical torture, and state-sponsored intimidation," the alleged abuse of police powers through "Operation Fushin Kada," and what it called the "weaponization of the judicial process to illegally detain citizens."
It said the documented incidents would, "at the appropriate time," be presented to international democratic and human rights institutions, including members of the United States Congress and other global bodies committed to promoting democracy, the rule of law and fundamental human rights.
The group concluded by calling for "the immediate respect of the constitutional rights of all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation," and demanded "an urgent end to the misuse of security forces and legal maneuvering for political motives."
The Kaduna State government and the Nigeria Police Force have not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.