The Centre for Integrity and Press Protection (CIPP), a Lagos-based non-governmental organization that has championed press freedom and the protection of journalists across Nigeria for over a decade, has condemned the arrest of Kano-based journalist, Ibrahim Ishaq, popularly known as Danuwa Rano.
In a statement signed by Olumide Adekunle, Country Director of CIPP, the organization described the arrest by the Nigeria Police, Zone 1 Command, Kano, as “a direct assault on freedom of the press and a dangerous return to authoritarian tactics.”
The statement said the arrest was reportedly carried out on the orders of Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, Director-General of Protocol to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
CIPP expressed shock at the justification for the arrest, noting that Mr. Rano was allegedly detained for operating a YouTube channel without approval from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). “It is shameful and deeply concerning that the police are being used as tools of political intimidation under the guise of enforcing defamation laws or regulating media operations,” the statement added.
The organisation noted that NBC regulations cover only terrestrial radio and television stations, not online platforms, news websites, or YouTube channels. “The invocation of NBC regulations in this context is both misleading and unconstitutional,” it said.
CIPP further criticised the police for allegedly acting at the behest of politicians rather than upholding the law. “No warrant was presented. No crime was established. Yet, a journalist was arrested and detained for doing his job — exposing corruption and demanding accountability,” the statement said.
The NGO called for the immediate and unconditional release of Ibrahim Ishaq (Danuwa Rano) and urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to investigate the conduct of the officers involved and ensure that those responsible face disciplinary action.
“Press freedom is the backbone of democracy. Any attempt to suppress it is an attack on the rights of all Nigerians,” CIPP added.
