The Gombe State chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has raised serious concerns over the prolonged detention of six individuals arrested in connection with the Mai Tangle leadership crisis, including a person living with a disability.

In an open letter addressed to the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, AAC State Chairman, Bobo Benson Bagwiba, asked the state government to intervene and ensure justice for the detainees, some of whom have been held in custody since 2021 without trial or conviction.

The letter listed the detainees as Abdon Lamai (popularly known as Sarkin Samarai), Moses Dan Alfa (a person living with disability), Shedrack Timothy (AKA Lagos), Malachi Charles, Grace Timothy, and Felix Paul (AKA Bonny).

According to Bagwiba, the individuals were “randomly arrested without clear evidence linking them directly to the violent acts” that erupted during the Mai Tangle leadership tussle.

“It is deeply troubling that these individuals have been denied justice for over three years. Prolonged detention without trial undermines the constitutional rights of every Nigerian,” Bagwiba said.

He particularly highlighted the case of Moses Dan Alfa, stressing that “his condition as a person living with disability makes his continued incarceration especially inhumane and unjust.”

Citing Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the AAC chairman reminded the governor that every citizen is entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time. “It is imperative for the government to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no citizen is left to languish in jail without due process,” he stated.

The AAC Gombe State chapter called on the governor to direct the appropriate authorities to either expedite the trial process or release the detainees if there is insufficient evidence to prosecute them.

As of the time of compiling this report, the Gombe State Government has yet to respond to the AAC’s demand.