The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has raised alarm over what it described as a “growing pattern of harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detention” of citizens in Bauchi State for exercising their right to free speech online.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Y.Z. Ya’u, the group said the latest case involved one Usman Sabo, a youth from Shira Local Government Area, who was arrested on Friday by officers from the GRA Police Division after posting criticisms of the LG chairman, Babangida Ishaq, on Facebook.
According to CITAD, Sabo’s posts accused the chairman of poor governance, including “failure to sponsor the Shira LG football team in the Kaura Unity Cup, delays in paying workers’ salaries, and attempts to evict long-term occupants of government housing.” The group said Sabo was taken to Bauchi without due process.
“This is not an isolated case,” Ya’u said. “Only a few weeks ago, Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi, a resident of Azare, was reportedly targeted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for writing an article critical of the Vice Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau.”
CITAD said the use of security agencies to silence critics violates Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and ECOWAS court rulings which guarantee freedom of expression.
“Suppressing critical voices undermines democracy, erodes public trust, and fosters a climate of fear,” Ya’u added.
The group demanded the immediate release of Sabo, an end to the misuse of security agencies for political vendettas, and an independent investigation into both incidents.
“We call on the National Human Rights Commission, civil society groups, and press freedom advocates to closely monitor developments in Bauchi State and resist the creeping culture of digital repression,” Ya’u said. “Public officials must understand that leadership entails accountability, not immunity from criticism.”