The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest of Kwara-based blogger Ajala Adeshina Shuaib, popularly known as Manjala, over allegations of defamation.
CITAD in a statement signed by YZ Ya’u, Executive Director said this “deeply troubling development reflects a growing and dangerous pattern in Nigeria where politicians deploy security agencies to settle personal disputes and silence critical voices.”
According to reports, Shuaib was arrested following a petition by a legislative aide to a Senator . CITAD views this as a blatant misuse of law enforcement powers and a direct assault on constitutionally protected freedom of expression.
CITAD noted that Section 39 of the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of expression , adding that the continuous harassment, arrest, and detention of bloggers, journalists, and activists for merely expressing their views is a serious breach of our democratic values and an affront to the principles of open governance.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not a private militia for politicians. Its constitutional mandate is to protect lives and property, not to intimidate citizens or pursue political vendettas. At a time when insecurity has become a daily reality, with bandits, kidnappers, insurgents, and violent groups terrorizing communities across the country, it is shocking that police officers are being deployed to arrest a blogger over a Facebook post. The police should be part of the architecture to secure Nigerians, rather than waste public resources on illegal efforts to protect politicians from being asked to account for their actions and deeds.
“Arbitrary arrests such as this one discourage civic participation, silence independent journalism, and weaken public confidence in institutions meant to serve all citizens. Using the police to criminalize criticism or opinion sets a dangerous precedent and creates an environment where accountability becomes impossible”,CITAD said.
CITAD is particularly concerned about the chilling effect this trend has on: journalists and media workers, digital rights advocates, youth and online content creators, and human rights defenders. Democracy cannot flourish where dissent is treated as a crime.
Therefore, CITAD called on the Nigeria Police Force to: “Immediately end the misuse of the police for the personal or political interests of public officials.
“Focus on its constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and property and combating rising insecurity.
Also, CITAD called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to: “Take decisive action to stop the growing abuse of state security agencies for personal and political scores.
“Direct the Inspector General of Police to issue and enforce clear guidelines against the arrest of citizens over defamation or political disagreement, as well as the personalization of the police to shield politicians by stifling legislative criticism.
“Protect Nigeria’s civic and digital spaces by ensuring that security agencies do not become tools of oppression.”
CITAD reiterated that it stands firmly with journalists, digital creators, activists, and all Nigerians who speak truth to power, and will not allow intimidation to silence advocacy for a safer, freer, and more democratic Nigeria and for citizens to freely express their opinions using social media.