Suleiman Barde, a Facebook user previously detained at Zaria prison in Kaduna State over a controversial post, has regained his freedom. The post alleged questionable dealings involving the wife of Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Chairman of Zaria Local Government.
Barde’s release came after the active intervention of human rights campaigner and Chronicles Reporter, Omoyele Sowore. On Friday, Sowore revealed he had taken the matter directly to the Speaker, expressing his concerns despite initially failing to reach him in person. He made sure to leave a pointed message demanding clarity on the arrest.
In response, Speaker Abbas eventually denied any wrongdoing or involvement in Barde’s arrest. He also claimed Barde had admitted to spreading misinformation about land allocations involving his wife. However, he was quick to distance himself from the circumstances leading to Barde’s detention.
Sowore emphasized that individuals in powerful positions, especially someone ranked as Nigeria’s fourth highest public officer, must never exploit state machinery to intimidate critics. He said he urged Abbas to address the matter responsibly and publicly rather than allowing the misuse of police and judicial processes.
Following their exchange, the Speaker agreed to contact the Zaria Local Government Chairman with the intention of resolving the issue. There were discussions about Barde possibly issuing an apology, but Sowore stood firm on the principle that no officeholder should pursue personal vendettas or abuse state authority.
With Barde now out of prison, Sowore acknowledged the Speaker’s cooperation and stressed the importance of collective resistance against injustice.
“Today, Sulaiman Barde is a free man after enduring unjust incarceration instigated by forces connected to the Zaria Local Government Chairman,” Sowore said. “I want to thank the public, activists, and justice advocates who stood up against this injustice.”
He drew parallels with another troubling case from Bauchi State, where the son of Governor Bala Mohammed, Shamshudeen Bala Mohammed, allegedly used his influence to detain a college lecturer, Dr. Abubakar Ahmed, over a social media critique. Sowore noted that Barde’s case followed a similar script, involving manipulation of police processes and misuse of Magistrate Court orders for cybercrime cases outside their jurisdiction.
As public outrage grew, some parties attempted to defuse the situation by falsely claiming Barde had already been released—a diversion Sowore exposed as untrue.
He explained, “Once I confirmed Barde was still in detention, I reached out to Speaker Abbas directly. Though I didn’t speak to him immediately, I left a message making it clear I knew he was involved. When he eventually replied, he strongly denied the accusations but claimed Barde had confessed to lying.”
Sowore continued, “I reminded him of his role as a national leader and asked that he act to end the injustice. After a forthright conversation, he agreed to speak with the Zaria Chairman and facilitate Barde’s release. Although an apology was suggested, I firmly argued that the Speaker’s office should not be used for intimidation.”
Now free, Barde’s case underscores a broader pattern of political repression and the continued need for citizen activism. “Let it be clear,” Sowore concluded, “no one will be abandoned in this fight for justice. We must stay alert and unified—oppressors never sleep.”
Chronicles Reporter earlier reported that both Suleiman Barde and his elder brother were held at the Zaria prison after publishing a Facebook post exposing alleged shady activities linked to the Speaker’s wife and the Zaria LG Chairman. Sowore had condemned the arrests, calling them a blatant abuse of state power and a threat to democracy.
He described the detentions as a troubling example of political figures using influence to stifle dissent and violate constitutional rights.
Sowore had earlier called for the immediate and unconditional release of the Barde brothers, insisting that democratic governance must not tolerate acts of intimidation and unlawful detention.
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