The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest of digital journalist Ibrahim Ishaq, popularly known as Danuwa Rano, describing it as an attempt to silence the media and suppress free expression in Kano State.
Danuwa, founder of Danuwa Rano TV, was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Zone One Command, over an online audio commentary in which he allegedly suggested that a government official was collecting money from individuals seeking access to the Kano State Governor.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u, CITAD said the action of the police was “unwarranted and represents a dangerous trend of intolerance and misuse of power to intimidate journalists.”
According to Ya’u, the journalist did not mention any names in his commentary, but it was alleged that the Director-General of Protocol to the Kano State Governor filed a complaint that led to his arrest.
“The arrest of a journalist for performing his constitutional duty of informing the public is a gross abuse of power and a violation of democratic norms,” the statement read in part.
CITAD described the move as part of a broader assault on press freedom and civic participation in Nigeria, reminding authorities that freedom of expression is protected under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“The Nigeria Police should act as a protector of rights, not an instrument of oppression,” Ya’u said.
The organisation called for the immediate and unconditional release of the journalist and urged both the Nigeria Police and the Kano State Government to desist from further intimidation of media practitioners.
CITAD also appealed to civil society groups, media organisations, and human rights defenders to speak out against what it described as “a growing pattern of press suppression.”
“A society that silences its journalists denies citizens access to truth and accountability,” Ya’u added.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, digital rights, and journalists’ safety in Nigeria, pledging to continue resisting any form of censorship or intimidation targeting the media or citizens exercising their right to free speech.
