Open Letter to the International Community on the Detention of Dr. Ibrahim Bichi ( Bichiia Maisango”) and the Rights of the Hausa Zalla Movement

Date: 19 July 2026

To:

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (#OHCHR)

The United States Department of Justice

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (#USCIRF)

Amnesty International

Human Rights Watch

European Union in Nigeria

Democratic governments and international human rights organizations

Urgent Appeal Regarding the Continued Detention of Dr. Ibrahim Bichi (“Bichia Maisango”) and the Protection of the Fundamental Rights of the Hausa Zalla Movement

We respectfully appeal to the international community to urgently examine the continued detention of Dr. Ibrahim Bichi (“Bichia Maisango”), who has reportedly been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2 June 2026.

As of 19 July 2026, he has reportedly remained in DSS custody without being publicly brought before a competent court. If accurate, this prolonged detention raises concerns regarding due process, the rule of law, and Nigeria’s obligations under both its Constitution and international human rights treaties.

Dr. Bichia Maisango is widely known as a leading voice associated with the Hausa Zalla Movement, which advocates for the preservation and promotion of Hausa history, language, culture, and identity. Supporters describe the movement as peaceful and committed to constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of association, and cultural self-identification.

Supporters of the movement have alleged that Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, used his office to petition or influence the DSS to detain Dr. Bichia Maisango because of his activism. These allegations have not been established by a court, and we respectfully request an independent and impartial investigation into any role played by public officials in the detention.

Supporters have also circulated a document that they allege was sent by an exclusive Fulani organization to the Sultan of Sokoto and Nuhu Ribadu, urging government authorities to suppress the Gimbiyar Hausa platform and prevent the establishment of an independent Hausa However, if authentic, it raises serious questions about freedom of association and equal treatment under the law and should be independently investigated.

Supporters further argue that influential traditional leaders, including some Fulani emirs, have opposed the Hausa Zalla Movement because it promotes an independent Hausa ethnic identity. They believe these concerns have contributed to increasing pressure on the movement. These claims also warrant independent examination.

The detention of Dr. Bichia Maisango has become, in the eyes of many supporters, a symbol of broader concerns about the treatment of peaceful cultural advocacy in Northern Nigeria. Regardless of differing historical or political views, every Nigerian is entitled to due process, fair treatment, and the protections guaranteed by law.

We therefore respectfully call upon:

1. The Government of Nigeria to publicly explain the legal basis for the continued detention of Dr. Ibrahim Bichi (“Bichia Maisango”).
2. The DSS to either promptly charge him before a competent court or release him if there is insufficient legal basis for his detention.
3. The Office of the National Security Adviser to respond transparently to allegations concerning its involvement.
4. An independent investigation into allegations involving Nuhu Ribadu, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Sultan of Sokoto, and any other public officials or institutions alleged to have participated in efforts to suppress the Hausa Zalla Movement.
5. International human rights organizations to monitor the situation and engage Nigerian authorities regarding due process, freedom of expression, and freedom of peaceful association.
6. The Government of Nigeria to ensure that all ethnic communities including the Hausa people can peacefully organize, preserve their cultural heritage, and express their views without intimidation or unlawful interference.

This appeal is not intended to promote hostility toward any ethnic or religious community. Rather, it is a call for transparency, accountability, equal protection under the law, and respect for the constitutional and human rights of every Nigerian citizen.

Justice must be administered fairly, openly, and without discrimination. We respectfully ask the international community to closely monitor this case and encourage Nigeria to uphold its constitutional and international human rights obligations.

Signed

Concerned Supporters of Human Rights, Due Process, and the Peaceful Promotion of Hausa Cultural Heritage.

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