By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the immediate release of Nasarawa activist Abdulkarim Allanana, popularly known as Oscar Keana, following his remand by the Federal High Court in Lafia over alleged false information against Governor Abdullahi Sule.

In a statement dated 6October 8, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA said the continued detention and transfer of the activist were disturbing, particularly amid reports that additional charges could be brought against him.

Allanana, a media activist and leader of the Indigenous People of Nasarawa State, was reportedly arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a two-count charge bordering on alleged false information against Sule. The court adjourned the case until November 26 for hearing of his bail application.

HURIWA said it was informed that Allanana had subsequently been transferred from the Lafia Custodial Centre to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Nasarawa.

“The government must not turn the criminal justice system into a conveyor belt for keeping a critic behind bars,” the association said.

HURIWA questioned the reason for the transfer, arguing that Allanana had not been convicted of any offence.

“Why should a citizen who has not been convicted of any offence be subjected to circumstances that could further complicate or prolong his detention?” the group asked.

The association also said it had not independently verified reports that fresh charges were being contemplated against the activist.

It, however, warned that if additional charges were being considered merely to frustrate his release or prolong his detention, such action would amount to an abuse of the criminal justice process.

“If Keana committed an offence, let the prosecution present its evidence before the court and allow the judicial process to take its lawful course,” HURIWA stated.

The group said detention should not become punishment before conviction and urged authorities to respect the presumption of innocence, personal liberty and freedom of expression.

HURIWA also warned against using legal provisions to suppress criticism of public officials.

“Public office is not a licence to silence criticism. A governor is not a monarch. A critic is not a criminal merely because his words are inconvenient,” the association said.

It called on the authorities to stop any attempt to manipulate the legal process against Keana and facilitate his release on lawful bail conditions, subject to the court’s decision.

HURIWA also urged the judiciary to remain vigilant against any process that could unnecessarily deprive the accused of his liberty or frustrate his right to a fair hearing.

The association called on Governor Abdullahi Sule, the DSS, the Nigerian Correctional Service and relevant judicial authorities to ensure that Keana was not subjected to what it described as an abuse of state power.

“Detention must not become the punishment. The presumption of innocence must mean something in Nigeria,” HURIWA said.

It concluded by urging the authorities to allow the court to determine the case while protecting the constitutional rights of the accused.

“Free Oscar Keana now. Let the court decide his case. Let democracy breathe,” the association stated.

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