Family demands release of activist Ibrahim Bichi from DSS detention

The family of Hausa activist and social media commentator, Ibrahim Bichi, has called for his immediate and unconditional release from the custody of the Department of State Services. Bichi's wife, Hauwa Mundi, stated that her husband was arrested by the DSS and held for two weeks without family notification or communication. She described this prolonged detention as a violation of his fundamental rights and warned of potential legal action if the agency does not justify his continued detention. Mundi learned of his detention at the DSS headquarters in Abuja after being unable to reach him for two weeks. She alleges his arrest is linked to his online advocacy and criticism of issues in Northern Nigeria, accusing the National Security Adviser's office of petitioning the DSS. Mundi also expressed concern about his health and mentioned past threats and attempts to implicate him in a blasphemy-related matter due to his activism for Hausa ethnic consciousness. In response, Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications of the DSS, defended the agency's actions, stating that detentions are not arbitrary and occur with a detention order. Dozie indicated that Bichi must have committed a serious offense with the potential to divide the country or incite people, and that the agency would investigate and charge him to court, but did not disclose specific allegations or a court date.