A political controversy has erupted in Katsina State following the arrest of Salman Ahmed Gafai, a young political activist and member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Gafai’s arrest has drawn significant attention on social media, with accusations directed at a senior member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for allegedly orchestrating the police action against him.
Reports indicate that Gafai was arrested on May 2, 2025, coinciding with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Katsina City for a wedding event. The arrest appears to be linked to a Facebook post made by Gafai, in which Police allegations cited that he criticized the state governor’s invitation to a reception, suggesting that attendees were being incentivized with cash. Relatives of Gafai claim this post was the catalyst for his detention.
Below is the statement that Gafai posted
English:
“Governor Alfawa made a big deal about the reception, mentioning that people being given N2,000 to attend the Nagori welcome.”Hausa:
“Gwamnan Alfawa ya yi gayya sosai wurin tarbar nagori, ance 2k ake bayarwa ga mutane domin tarbar nagori.”
Sources revealed to Hikaya Newspaper that the individual who allegedly ordered Gafai’s arrest is from the same political ward and was previously an APC member. Gafai had recently defected to the SDP, and his advocacy for the party’s policies has reportedly led to a wave of defections from both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the SDP. Over 200 individuals, primarily women, joined the SDP on April 3, 2025, expressing their desire for change in governance.
Gafai has emerged as a prominent figure in the SDP, advocating for a new political approach in Katsina as the state prepares for the 2027 elections. He emphasized that the recent defections reflect a collective yearning for a political style that prioritizes community issues and positive transformation. His commitment to this cause has resonated with many residents, further intensifying the political rivalry in the region.
Following his arrest, Gafai was taken to the Katsina Central Police Station (CPS), where he faced charges of allegedly defaming President Tinubu and Governor Dikko Umar Radda. He was subsequently transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Katsina Police Command headquarters. After spending several days in custody, Gafai was moved to a correctional facility, raising concerns about the legality of his detention.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that under Nigeria’s constitution, freedom of expression is a fundamental right, and individuals are protected against arbitrary arrest and detention. Human rights advocates have expressed concern over Gafai’s arrest, viewing it as a potential violation of his rights. As the situation unfolds, calls for transparency and adherence to legal standards in political matters continue to grow in Katsina State.