Human rights advocate Mike Arnold has called for the immediate release of Lawrence Zongo, a Plateau State-based human rights defender reportedly detained by soldiers in Jos.
Arnold, in a statement titled “#FREEZONGO,” on Thursday 8th October condemned Zongo’s reported detention and urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to release him and ensure his access to his family, lawyer and medical care.
According to Arnold, Zongo was arrested after going to a hospital to assist relatives following an attack in which his cousin was killed.
He alleged that Zongo has since been held without charge and denied access to his family and legal counsel, describing the development as part of what he called a broader crackdown on people who speak out about human rights violations.
The allegation comes after Amnesty International raised concerns over Zongo’s reported detention, describing him as a member and volunteer of the organisation and calling for accountability over his continued custody.
Arnold said the case was particularly troubling because Zongo had allegedly gone to the hospital to help family members affected by violence before his arrest.
“You can arrest the truth speakers, but you cannot arrest the truth,” Arnold said, describing Zongo as a “fearless truth speaker” who had stood with victims of violence.
He also referenced other cases involving individuals who, according to him, had faced arrest or legal action after raising allegations or criticisms against government or security authorities.
Arnold cited the cases of Kaigama, whom he said spoke about alleged Boko Haram ransom payments, and Justice Crack, whom he said exposed complaints concerning soldiers’ welfare.
He also criticised the continued detention and prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, describing his trial as a “sham trial” and alleging that he was unlawfully brought back to Nigeria from Kenya.
Arnold further expressed concern over a proposed bill which he said could increase government oversight of foreign-funded ministries, humanitarian organisations and media outlets, including requirements relating to the registration and use of grants.
He argued that such measures, alongside the reported detention of activists and human rights defenders, could have a chilling effect on civic participation and independent reporting.
“The message is clear: REGISTER. TOE THE LINE. OR GO TO PRISON,” Arnold said.
He accused the Tinubu administration of targeting people who expose violence and abuses rather than addressing the perpetrators responsible for attacks on communities.
Arnold called on churches, journalists, human rights defenders and Nigerians to speak out over Zongo’s reported detention.
“STOP ARRESTING THE WITNESSES. GO AFTER THE KILLERS,” he said, while demanding Zongo’s release and access to his family, lawyer and medical care.
He also urged the authorities to publicly account for the circumstances surrounding Zongo’s detention.
The circumstances of Zongo’s detention and the specific legal basis for his continued custody could not be independently established from Arnold’s statement alone. Authorities are expected to clarify his status, the allegations against him, and whether any formal charges have been filed.
The development has renewed concerns over the protection of human rights defenders, journalists and other civic actors operating in conflict-affected communities in Plateau State and across Nigeria.
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