The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest of some postgraduate students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), in Niger State, Abubakar Isah, reportedly on the orders of Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, over a Facebook post criticizing the governor.
CITAD, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, on Saturday in Kano, described the arrest as unconstitutional and a violation of the student’s right to freedom of expression.
The statement, said Isah, a student in the Department of Agricultural Economy and Extension, was arrested at his off-campus lodge in Lapai and later transferred to the State Police Command Headquarters in Minna.
The police said the arrest was based on allegations of cyber bullying and cyberstalking, but CITAD maintained that it was an attempt to criminalise free expression and silence dissent in the state.
“The arrest of a student for merely expressing his opinion online is a clear violation of Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression,” the statement read.
CITAD expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of media repression and intolerance under Governor Bago’s administration, citing the suspension of Badegi 90.1 FM and harassment of journalists, including Yakubu Mustapha of Peoples Daily and Mustapha Nasiru Batsari of Voice of America (VOA).
The organisation called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mokwa, and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution security agencies against being used as instruments of political oppression.
It also urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the matter and warn officers against arbitrary arrests of citizens for expressing their opinions.
CITAD further advised Governor Bago to respect the principles of free speech and focus on governance and development issues in Niger State.
Freedom of expression is the foundation of democracy. The continued misuse of state power to silence critics and young people undermines democratic governance and civic trust,” the statement added.
It reaffirmed CITAD’s commitment to defending digital rights and promoting online safety to ensure that Nigerians can express their views without fear of intimidation or persecution.
