By Chimezie Godfrey
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has expressed concern over what it described as a troubling pattern of arrests and intimidation of critics and social media commentators in Kano State.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, YZ Ya’u, the organisation alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested individuals for expressing dissenting views and demanding accountability.
CITAD said it was particularly disturbed by reports of the arrest and invitations of four individuals — Saifullahi Abubakar, Abba Ibrahim Hussain, Aminu Warkal and Abdulmajid Dan Bilki Kwamanda — allegedly linked to their online and offline commentary.
“If these reports are accurate, such actions raise serious questions about the protection of constitutionally guaranteed rights in Kano State,” the statement read.
The group cited Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to question public officials.
CITAD warned that the use of security agencies in ways that may silence lawful criticism could create a climate of fear incompatible with democratic governance.
It called for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals detained solely for peacefully exercising their constitutional rights, and urged an end to arrests or harassment over lawful opinions.
The organisation also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that security agencies respect fundamental rights and called on the Kano State Government to publicly commit to protecting civic space.
CITAD reiterated that holding public officials accountable is not a crime and pledged to continue monitoring developments.