Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Kano-based journalist Ibrahim Dan’uwa Rano, describing his arrest by the police as unlawful and a violation of press freedom.
In a statement signed by Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Country Director for Nigeria, the organisation said Rano’s detention at the Zonal Police Headquarters in Kano was based on “bizarre and outrageous allegations of defamation of character.”
“Arresting a person for exercising his constitutionally guaranteed rights as a journalist is unlawful,” Sanusi said. “The arrest of Ibrahim Dan’uwa Rano simply for doing his job is part of an ongoing pattern in which the police are being misused to target independent media voices to instil fear and curb press freedom.”
The group faulted the police for allegedly claiming that Rano was running an online television station without a licence from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). Amnesty described the claim as “a desperate and illegitimate attempt to shut down critical voices through the abuse of power.”
“It is perfectly within his right to use an online platform to share his views and opinions with wider audiences,” Sanusi added.
Amnesty International warned that such actions pose a serious threat to press freedom and the public’s right to information. “What happened to the journalist is a tactic that poses a significant threat to free media and the public’s right to information,” the statement said.
The organisation urged Nigerian authorities to allow journalists to work freely and safely, without fear of harassment, intimidation or reprisals. “The police must immediately and unconditionally release Ibrahim Dan’uwa Rano and withdraw attempts to silence him,” Sanusi said.
Rano, a digital journalist and founder of Danuwa Rano TV, was reportedly detained after publishing an online commentary critical of certain individuals. His arrest has continued to draw condemnation from media and civil rights groups across the country.
