Health Crisis in Custody: Gombe Lecturer Dr. Ahmad Falls Critically Ill in Bauchi Jail as Family Pleads for Mercy

Dr. Ahmad Abubakar, a lecturer at the Federal College of Horticulture in Gombe State, has become critically ill during detention at a Bauchi correctional centre, health officials and rights advocates report.

The lecturer was arrested two weeks ago after sharing a Facebook video of Governor Bala Mohammed’s son, Shamsuddeen, dancing with his wife.

According to a close source, Bashir Limanci, Dr. Ahmad is suffering from acute malaria, has lost significant weight, eats sparingly, and urgently requires medical attention. He added: “He barely eats and his condition is rapidly deteriorating. He is terribly emaciated and needs urgent medical help.”

Dr. Ahmad was arrested after complying with a police invitation, following a defamation complaint filed by Shamsuddeen under the Bauchi State Penal Code (2022), alleging criminal defamation, falsehood, and intimidation. He currently faces charges and his case remains adjourned until 9 July 2025.

The lecturer’s wife and mother have appealed directly to Governor Bala Mohammed for intervention, emphasizing his loyalty to the state’s ruling party and begging for mercy. They described the family’s distress since his arrest and urged government action before his health worsens further.

The deterioration of Dr. Ahmad’s health behind bars has ignited public concern. Human rights groups warn that imprisoning individuals for sharing content on social media especially in poor prison conditions—undermines freedom of expression and reflects political retaliation.

Meanwhile, his legal team is seeking judicial review from the Bauchi Chief Judge, alleging unlawful prosecution and human rights violations, describe the denial of bail to a critically ill, nonviolent academic as a breach of justice.