The Borno State Police Command has taken into custody a chieftain of New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Atom Magira, over alleged criticism against Governor Babagana Zulum.
Mr Magira’s Personal Assistant, Mohammed Yahaya, disclosed that Mr Magira was whisked away by the operatives of the command Sunday night.
Mr Magira, a former All progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial aspirant in 2019 elections, is a foremost opposition voice in the state.
He has been very vocal against some of the policies of Governor Babagana Zulum.
Insiders told our correspondent that Mr Magira was detained over a billboard sponsored by the supporters of “YES TO MERGER”, calling for a merger of all the political parties in the state.
The billboard with “Say Yes To Merger” inscription carrying the picture of Mr Magira was later destroyed by unknown persons.
“It is on the orders of the state government, they don’t want a serious opposition in the state.
“Whoever will do that will be crippled, that’s the norm since 1999 but Magira has remained consistent to offer a credible and constructive opposition in Borno State,” a source said
“Magira is still in detention as of Monday morning but is not clear whether he will be charged to court,” another source who doesn’t want to be named told this reporter.
ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the command’s Public Relations Officer, was not available for comment.
