The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned in strong terms the arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), allegedly on the orders of Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, over a Facebook post critical of the governor.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned in strong terms the arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), allegedly on the orders of Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, over a Facebook post critical of the governor.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Executive Director of CITAD, Y.Z. Ya’u, described the arrest as “deeply disturbing and unconstitutional,” noting that the action violates the student’s fundamental rights as guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides for freedom of expression.
Reports indicate that Abubakar, who studies Agricultural Economy and Extension at IBBUL, was arrested at his off-campus residence in Lapai and subsequently transferred to the Niger State Police Command Headquarters in Minna. The police reportedly claimed his arrest stemmed from alleged “cyber bullying and cyberstalking.”
CITAD, however, dismissed the justification as an attempt to criminalize free speech and silence dissenting voices in the state.
“The arrest of a student for merely expressing his opinion online is a clear abuse of power. This action sends a chilling message to young people and citizens who use social media to engage on governance issues,” the statement read.
Ya’u recalled that the arrest reflects a “disturbing trend” under Governor Bago’s administration, citing previous incidents of media repression, including the suspension of Badegi 90.1 FM in August 2025, and the reported harassment of journalists such as Yakubu Mustapha of Peoples Daily and Mustapha Nasiru Batsari of Voice of America (VOA).
CITAD, therefore, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, while calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force does not continue to serve as “an instrument of political oppression.”
The group further urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the case and caution officers against arbitrary arrests and detentions of citizens for exercising their right to free expression.
CITAD also admonished Governor Bago to respect the principles of democracy and free speech. “Instead of harassing and intimidating critics, activists, and journalists, the governor should focus on addressing the developmental challenges confronting Niger State,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to the defence of digital rights and online safety, CITAD warned that “the continued misuse of state power to silence critics and young people undermines democratic governance and civic trust.”