A coalition of civil society organizations has condemned the arrest of a university lecturer in Gombe State over his alleged social media critique of the son of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, calling the action a blatant violation of free speech and academic freedom.

The group, operating under the banner of the Coalition for Civil Rights and Academic Justice (CCR-AJ), issued a strongly worded statement on Monday denouncing what it described as “abuse of power and suppression of dissent.”

According to reports, the lecturer, identified as Dr. Ibrahim Musa of the Department of Political Science at Gombe State University, was picked up last week by security operatives after publishing a Facebook post questioning the public conduct and alleged influence of the governor’s son in state affairs.

“This arrest is nothing short of intimidation and an assault on constitutional rights,” the group said. “We are alarmed by the growing trend of silencing critics through state machinery, especially within institutions of learning where ideas should be freely contested.”

The statement also noted that Dr. Musa’s post did not constitute hate speech or incitement, but merely reflected concerns shared by many citizens about the rising visibility and influence of political family members in state governance.

“We are not in a monarchy. Citizens — whether professors or peasants — have every right to question the use of public influence and resources,” CCR-AJ added.

Efforts to get comments from Gombe State Government officials were unsuccessful as of press time. However, a senior aide to the governor, speaking anonymously, claimed the lecturer’s comments were “defamatory and designed to tarnish reputations.”

Legal experts and human rights advocates have weighed in, warning that continued suppression of academic voices could erode democratic discourse.

“Academic institutions must remain safe spaces for critique,” said Barr. Zainab Oladipo, a constitutional lawyer. “If scholars are arrested for expressing informed opinions, it sets a dangerous precedent.”

The Coalition is demanding Dr. Musa’s immediate release and has threatened to stage protests and take legal action if the matter is not addressed promptly.

The arrest has sparked widespread outrage online, with the hashtag #FreeDrMusa gaining traction across platforms, drawing support from students, activists, and members of the academic community nationwide.