The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has raised concern over an alleged attempt to arrest Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi, a resident of Azare, Bauchi State, after he published an article critical of the management of Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau (SAZU).
In a statement signed by Executive Director Y.Z. Ya’u, CITAD said it received credible information that the Vice Chancellor of SAZU is working with the Bauchi State Department of State Services (DSS) to track down Buwayi for his article.
“This is an alarming abuse of state power and a direct attack on the fundamental right of expression of citizens in Nigeria,” the statement noted.
The article by Buwayi, titled “Sabotage to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad’s Mission to Rescue Sa’adu Zungur University Gadau from Maladministration: Those Behind,” accuses the university leadership of corruption, fund diversion, poor infrastructure, and neglect of student welfare. CITAD said these issues are of public interest and should be addressed, not suppressed.
“While one may disagree with the tone or content of the article, resorting to state-sponsored intimidation is unacceptable,” Ya’u stated. “Citizens must be able and allowed to voice legitimate grievances about public institutions, especially educational institutions, without fear of persecution.”
CITAD said the situation fits into a broader trend of digital repression in Nigeria, where citizens are targeted for expressing dissent online. “In many cases,” the statement added, “these actions are justified under vague interpretations of cybercrime laws, despite international rulings that such applications violate human rights.”
The organization referenced legal protections for expression in Nigeria and internationally. “Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria guarantees freedom of expression, while Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory, further protects this right,” it explained. “Nigeria is also bound by ECOWAS court decisions, which have ruled that arbitrary arrests for online expression are unlawful and undemocratic.”
CITAD questioned why a Vice Chancellor would allegedly involve the DSS to go after a critic. “It is disturbing that a Vice Chancellor, a senior academic leader would allegedly engage the DSS, a security agency meant for state security and intelligence, to pursue a private grievance. This not only constitutes a gross abuse of office but undermines the professionalism and constitutional role of the DSS,” Ya’u stated.
He warned that using security agencies to intimidate citizens reduces public trust and discourages civic participation. “Security institutions should not be weaponized against citizens over online criticism. Their mandate is to protect the state and its people, not to shield public officials from scrutiny,” he said.
CITAD called for an end to the arrest threat against Buwayi and demanded an investigation into the reported collaboration between the university’s leadership and the DSS. It urged the National Human Rights Commission, civil society groups, journalists, and press freedom advocates to monitor the case and resist efforts to stifle expression online.
“We should all know that the strength of a democracy lies not in silencing its critics but in addressing their concerns,” the statement concluded. “Attempts to arrest citizens for digital expression is a shameful regression, especially in a nation striving for greater transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.”
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