Niger State Governor Umar Bago Faces Calls for U.S. Travel Ban Over Human Rights Allegations
A coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria has urged the U.S. government to impose a travel ban on Governor Umar Mohammed Bago of Niger State.
The coalition requests that he be barred from entering the United States and that any assets he holds there be seized.
The group accuses Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of violating human rights and infringing on democratic freedoms of it citizen.
In a formal complaint sent to the U.S. Secretary of State via the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, the Concerned Citizens and Defenders of Democracy in Nigeria alleged that the governor is exploiting his office to suppress critics amidst ongoing security challenges in the state.
Comrade Yusuf Sitizin, a prominent member of the coalition and a representative of Amnesty International, provided further context for their decision to advocate for these measures.
The Niger State Government has rejected the allegations, distancing Governor Bago from any claims of human rights abuses.
Hon. Abdulberqy Usman Ebbo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication Media, issued a statement on behalf of the state government addressing the accusations.
