The recent detention of our Online Editor, Buhari Abba, by operatives of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Kano State Police Command over the publication of an article authored by freelance journalist Isma’il Auwal, has sparked widespread concern within and beyond media circles. While the incident stems from an alleged directive by the Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the developments that followed have affirmed one undeniable truth: the media is not the enemy of government but its crucial ally in promoting development, transparency, and good governance.Â
We acknowledge the prompt and firm reaction by Amnesty International, which unequivocally condemned the harassment and intimidation of both Buhari Abba and Isma’il Auwal. Such statements reinforce the importance of freedom of expression and press independence in a democratic setting. We equally commend the International Press Centre (IPC) for lending its voice to the call for their release and protection. The consistent efforts by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), especially through its advocacy for digital rights and safety of journalists, also played a key role in drawing attention to the case.
Furthermore, the Association of Kano Online Journalists (ASKOJ) showed a remarkable spirit of unity and leadership in rallying members to resist repression and call for the upholding of media freedom. The NUJ National Body, based in Abuja, through its swift response, reminded authorities that silencing journalists through arrests is not a mark of strength, but a weakness in democratic values. The Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria and Avocats Sans Frontières France in Nigeria both amplified the legal and human rights implications of the arrest, while the League of Civil Society Organisations in Kano stood firm in solidarity, affirming that civic voices matter in governance.
The role played by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, in managing the tension while facilitating communication with media stakeholders, is worthy of recognition. Equally, we note the calm disposition of the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, which later allowed room for engagement and de-escalation. Academic voices from Bayero University Kano and Ahmadu Bello University, particularly from the Faculties and Departments of Mass Communication, provided intellectual depth to the conversations on press freedom, emphasizing the media’s duty to inform without fear.
In all these, we were inspired by the overwhelming support from both national and local radio stations, journalists across various beats, friends, and professional associates who reminded us that journalism remains a collective struggle and public trust. This solidarity serves as a strong reminder that the media, in its essence, is a watchdog of democracy, a builder of societal values, and a genuine friend to any government that seeks progress.
The unfortunate incident has once again opened up a national conversation on the role of media in development. Let it be clear: journalism is not about confrontation, but about constructive engagement, holding power to account, and fostering awareness. When media actors are seen as adversaries rather than allies, the spirit of democracy suffers.
We hope that moving forward, government officials at all levels will recognize the media as essential partners in shaping an informed, peaceful, and progressive society. We remain committed to ethical journalism and to ensuring that our work contributes positively to nation-building, not as enemies, but as true friends of development.