A prominent critic of former Senate President Ahmad Lawan has reportedly been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) over his comments on a multi-billion naira water project in Yobe State that allegedly failed to deliver any actual water.
The man, identified as Isheu Ibrahim Jadda, was arrested in Gashua on Friday and spent the night in custody before being transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Damaturu on Saturday morning.
According to sources close to the incident, Jadda’s arrest was linked to his outspoken remarks regarding the N5.73 billion water supply scheme commissioned by the federal government in Yobe. Despite the elaborate commissioning ceremony, reports suggest the facility is non-functional and has not produced any water — prompting public outcry and accusations of wasteful spending.
“He was arrested for commenting on the project, describing it as a white elephant. The water scheme was commissioned without delivering a single drop of water,” a source familiar with the matter told journalists.
The arrest has sparked outrage from civil society groups, opposition voices, and concerned citizens who view the incident as a threat to freedom of speech and democratic accountability.
“Anyone who doesn’t want opposition, looting, or criticism should not venture into politics. These are part of the symbols of democracy,” said one of Jadda’s supporters reacting to the development.
Calls for Jadda’s immediate release are growing louder, with critics accusing the authorities of using security agencies to silence dissent and shield public officials from scrutiny.
As of press time, the DSS has not issued an official statement on the arrest.
