The Arewa Youth Ambassadors (AYA) have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over the “unlawful arrest and continued detention” of a nursing mother, Mrs. Jamila Ibrahim, and her infant daughter since March 28, 2025.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Yahaya M. Abdullahi, the group expressed “deep concern and moral outrage” at the gross violation of human rights and constitutional provisions.
According to the statement, “Mrs. Ibrahim—a tailor and nursing mother—was arrested during a security raid at Wuse Market, Abuja, in the aftermath of a peaceful procession allegedly linked to the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).”
The group said the mother was “picked up arbitrarily while shopping for sewing materials during the Sallah period, with her one-month-old baby in her arms,” despite not being a member of the IMN.
Months later, the group alleged, mother and child are still being held at Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State “without arraignment or access to justice.”
It added: “Disturbingly, it has now emerged that the baby is critically ill and both mother and child are severely malnourished, while the father, Mr. Musbau Soliu, reports being extorted by law enforcement personnel, including demands of over ₦250,000 from police prosecutors under the false promise of release.”
AYA described the incident as “an egregious violation of fundamental human rights as guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Child Rights Act, and multiple international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
The group is demanding the “immediate and unconditional release of Mrs. Jamila Ibrahim and her child from unlawful detention,” as well as a public investigation into the conduct of the officers involved, including those alleged to have extorted her husband.
“Additional demands include: Disciplinary action against all implicated personnel, especially the prosecuting officer(s) who demanded and received bribes.”
“Provision of urgent medical care and psychological support to the mother and her child, who are reported to be in critical condition.”
“An official apology from the Nigeria Police Force to the victim and her family.”
“A review of all individuals currently detained in connection with the March 2025 protest, many of whom were reportedly arrested arbitrarily, including women and children.”
Condemning the situation as “unacceptable, unconstitutional, and inhumane,” the AYA warned that “Nigeria cannot afford to treat her most vulnerable citizens with such disdain.”
The statement concluded with a call to action directed at the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of Justice:
“Justice delayed is justice denied—but in this case, justice has not only been delayed, it has been abused, perverted, and silenced.”
The group also assured both Nigerians and the international community that it would continue to advocate for the oppressed and demand accountability from security agencies.
Earlier, Jamila, alongside her one-month-old baby arrested in March 2025 for allegedly participating in a Shiites protest and had become severely malnourished and critically ill while being held without trial in Suleja Prison, Niger State.
The woman, identified as Jamila Ibrahim, was arrested by the Nigerian police at the Wuse Market in Abuja and detained alongside her infant without being taken before any court of law.
She was arrested during a protest allegedly linked to the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiites movement.
The procession, which started peacefully at Usman Bin Affan Mosque in Wuse 2, Abuja, was violently disrupted by security forces using live ammunition.
Jamila has remained in custody without trial or any formal charges brought against her since she was arrested during the procession.