Rasheeda Yahaya
The National Alumni Association of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, has made a passionate appeal to the Governor of Niger State, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, urging him to show compassion and order the release of detained postgraduate student, Isah Mokwa.
In a letter dated October 25, 2025, and signed by the National Secretary, Comr. Mohammed Ishaq Suleyman, on behalf of the association’s president, the alumni body described Isah Mokwa as a “promising young scholar” whose actions were driven by youthful exuberance and misjudgment, not malice or rebellion.
The letter, titled “Plea for Mercy from the National Alumni Association, IBB University Lapai,” acknowledged the gravity of Mokwa’s words but pleaded with the Governor to temper justice with mercy in the spirit of forgiveness and mentorship.
“Your Excellency, as one of your sons and a promising youth of this great state, his recent action, though regrettable and misguided, was borne out of youthful exuberance and misjudgment. He has since come to realize the gravity of his words and the pain they may have caused,” the association stated.
The alumni group praised Governor Bago for his leadership qualities, describing him as a reform-minded leader who believes in building rather than destroying. It further argued that Mokwa, if forgiven and properly guided, could be transformed into a voice for progress and a positive ambassador for Niger State youths.
“By forgiving him, Your Excellency would not only show strength in leadership but also demonstrate that the New Niger agenda is anchored on compassion, inclusivity, and human development,” the letter added.
The association also pledged to take full responsibility for counseling and guiding the young student toward responsible digital communication and civic conduct aligned with Governor Bago’s vision for a disciplined, enlightened, and productive youth population.
Concluding the appeal, the letter urged the Governor to “graciously order the immediate release of Isah Mokwa,” describing such an act of mercy as a testament to his magnanimity and fatherly disposition.
“History will remember you not for the power to punish but for the grace to forgive especially when the one seeking forgiveness is a son willing to learn, change, and serve under your guiding light,” the letter concluded.
Lapai TV gathered that Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student of IBB University, was reportedly arrested for comments made on social media deemed critical of Governor Umar Bago. His arrest has since sparked widespread reactions, with human rights advocates, students, and civil society groups calling for his release in the name of justice and free expression.
