Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has come under public scrutiny following allegations that he orchestrated the arrest and prolonged detention of a young woman, Maryam Bukar, over an alleged romantic video call involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The allegations, which surfaced in a video circulated online and obtained by SaharaReporters, claim that Bukar has been in detention for several months after recording what was described as a “romantic-style” video conversation with the president.
Allegations Surface in Viral Video
In the video, a man speaking in Hausa alleged that Bukar’s ordeal began after she recorded a video call between herself and President Tinubu. According to him, the recording was intended as evidence and not for public dissemination.
“She recorded the video call in order to have proof,” the man claimed. “I saw the video call. Tinubu was wearing a jellabiya, and it was a romantic-style conversation.”
A jellabiya is a traditional long, loose-fitting garment commonly worn in parts of North Africa and the Middle East.
The speaker insisted that the video did not contain nudity or explicit content but suggested that the situation may have sparked tensions within the presidential household. He alleged that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, may have been displeased by the development, though no independent evidence has been presented to support that claim.
Arrest and Initial Detention
According to the allegations, Bukar was first arrested and detained for four days on grounds related to the recording of the video call. The man in the viral footage claimed that during this initial detention, Ribadu acknowledged that the arrest lacked legal justification.
“He sat down with her and told her to be patient, that her arrest was unlawful,” the man alleged. “He promised to give her and her family some money, but he did not fulfill that promise.”
There has been no official confirmation from the Office of the National Security Adviser regarding these claims. Efforts to obtain comments from relevant authorities were ongoing at the time of filing this report.
Re-Arrest and Prolonged Detention
The situation reportedly escalated after a petition was written concerning the initial detention. The man in the video alleged that Bukar was arrested again on June 20 and has remained in detention for over eight months.
“Now Ribadu has had her arrested again, and she has been detained for more than eight months since the 20th of June,” he claimed.
If accurate, such prolonged detention without trial could raise significant constitutional and human rights concerns under Nigerian law, which guarantees personal liberty and protection from arbitrary arrest.
Petition to National Human Rights Commission
The matter has been formally brought before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). A petition dated April 4, 2025, was submitted by DATTIJO Multi-Purpose Business General Contract, Merchandise Trading, Supply & Distribution of General Goods. The petition was also copied to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Titled “Petition and Complaint Against the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for Allegedly Giving an Illegal Order to Nigerian Military Personnel to Unlawfully Arrest Hajiya Maryam Bukar,” the document accuses the National Security Adviser of directing military personnel to carry out what it described as a forceful and unlawful arrest.
The petition alleges that Bukar, described as a close associate of President Tinubu, was detained after screen recordings of her video call with the president were forwarded to the NSA by Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari.
According to the petitioner, a review of the video clip revealed nothing illegal or offensive in its content.
The petition further contends that the commando-style arrest damaged Bukar’s reputation within her community and caused her severe psychological distress, including anxiety and depression.
NHRC Acknowledges Complaint
The National Human Rights Commission confirmed receipt of the complaint. In an acknowledgment letter dated April 14, 2025, and signed by Faith Okeosisi on behalf of the Executive Secretary, the Commission stated that the complaint had been registered as C/2025/CPR/746/HQ and was receiving attention.
“The National Human Rights Commission is in receipt of your complaint dated 4th April, 2025, on the above subject matter,” the letter read in part.
“The complaint has been registered as C/2025/CPR/746/HQ and it is receiving attention. You shall be informed of the outcome of our investigation on the matter in due course.”
The Commission has not yet released any findings or interim updates regarding the investigation.
Calls for Official Response
The man in the viral video called on Ribadu to address the allegations publicly and secure Bukar’s immediate release.
“We are calling on Nuhu Ribadu to immediately release Maryam Bukar or respond to this call,” he said.
As of press time, neither the Office of the National Security Adviser nor the Presidency had issued an official statement responding to the claims. The absence of a formal response has fueled further public debate and speculation on social media platforms.
Legal and Political Implications
Legal analysts note that if the allegations are substantiated, they could have far-reaching implications. The Nigerian Constitution provides clear safeguards against unlawful arrest and prolonged detention without charge. Security agencies are required to operate within the bounds of the law, even in matters that may involve national security considerations.
Human rights advocates argue that the case underscores broader concerns about the potential misuse of state power. They stress the importance of transparency, due process, and independent oversight in handling sensitive allegations involving high-ranking officials.
At the same time, political observers caution against drawing premature conclusions, emphasizing that the allegations currently rely heavily on claims made in a viral video and a petition yet to be adjudicated.
Awaiting Clarity
The unfolding controversy places both the National Security Adviser and the Presidency under increased scrutiny. With the National Human Rights Commission confirming that an investigation is underway, many Nigerians are now awaiting clarity on the facts surrounding the case.
Whether the allegations will be substantiated or dismissed remains to be seen. For now, the matter highlights the delicate intersection of power, privacy, and human rights in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
Until official findings are released, the case of Maryam Bukar remains a subject of intense public interest, raising fundamental questions about accountability, transparency, and the rule of law at the highest levels of government.
Source: Saharareporters
