The Centre for Information Technology and Development, CITAD, has condemned the arrest and continued detention of journalist Ibrahim Ishaq Danuwa Rano, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
Danuwa, who is the founder of Danuwa Rano TV, was reportedly arrested by police officers from Zone One Command in Kano over an online audio commentary.
In the audio, he allegedly accused a government official of collecting money from people seeking to meet the state governor.
According to CITAD, the journalist did not mention any names in the commentary, but it was later alleged that the Director-General of Protocol to the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, filed a complaint that led to his arrest.
In a statement signed by Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u on Sunday, the organization described the arrest as an act of intimidation and abuse of power aimed at silencing journalists and shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
“This action by the police is not only unjust but a dangerous sign of intolerance towards free expression and accountability,” CITAD said.
“Freedom of expression and media independence are protected by the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights charters, and must not be violated under any guise.”
The group said the police should be a protector of rights, not an instrument of oppression, stressing that arresting a journalist for doing his job undermines democracy and discourages investigative reporting.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force and the Kano State Government to release Ibrahim Danuwa Rano without conditions and to stop harassing journalists who speak truth to power,” the statement added.
CITAD also urged civil society organizations, media groups, and human rights defenders to stand together against the growing suppression of press freedom in the country.
“A society that silences its journalists denies its citizens access to truth and accountability,” Ya’u said.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending digital rights, freedom of expression, and the safety of journalists in Nigeria, promising to continue speaking out against repression and censorship.
