The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest of two young citizens in Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State for allegedly criticizing the council chairman, Ibrahim Yakubu Addis, over an abandoned road project on Facebook.
The duo, identified as Murtala Garba Doka and Shamsu Safiyanu Lambu, were reportedly arrested on Monday on the orders of the local government chairman following their Facebook post about the uncompleted Lambu–Banki–Yarimawa–Jakata road project, said to have been approved by the state government at the cost of ₦240 million.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Y. Z. Ya’u, CITAD said the arrest and subsequent detention of the two youths at the Tofa Divisional Police Station before their transfer to the Kano Police Command Headquarters, Bompai, was “a gross violation of their digital rights and fundamental freedoms.”
“The arrest of individuals for expressing opinions on public projects is a violation of their constitutional right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory,” Ya’u said.
He added that such actions represent “a growing and disturbing pattern of intimidation, harassment, and unlawful detention of citizens and social media users for exercising their constitutional rights.”
“The persistent pattern of intimidation aimed at curtailing citizens’ freedoms is capable of undermining people’s confidence in electoral democracy, especially in these trying times for Nigeria,” the statement read in part.
CITAD therefore called for the immediate and unconditional release of Doka and Lambu and urged the Kano State Police Command to “refrain from being used as a tool for political persecution.”
The organization also appealed to public officials to “embrace accountability and constructive criticism as integral elements of democratic governance,” while encouraging social media users to continue exercising their rights responsibly in promoting transparency and good governance.
Ya’u further urged the Kano State Government to caution local government officials “to appreciate public criticism as a strong pillar of democracy that uniquely distinguishes civilian rule from military authoritarianism.”
CITAD reaffirmed its commitment to promoting digital rights, protecting online freedom of expression, and ensuring that the internet remains a safe space for civic participation and accountability in Nigeria.