The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has criticized the arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), describing it as a violation of his constitutional rights. Abubakar was reportedly detained by the police in Niger State for allegedly criticizing Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago on Facebook.
In a statement signed by CITAD’s Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, the group denounced the action as an attempt to suppress free speech and discourage public criticism. Ya’u stated that arresting a citizen for expressing personal views online is unconstitutional and breaches Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. He described the incident as “a dangerous move toward silencing dissenting voices in Nigeria.”
Reports indicate that the student was arrested from his residence in Lapai and taken to the Niger State Police Command Headquarters in Minna, where he was accused of cyberbullying and cyberstalking. CITAD dismissed these allegations, arguing that the charges are baseless and aimed at intimidating citizens. The organization also recalled previous incidents where media outlets and journalists were targeted for criticizing the state government, citing the suspension of Badegi 90.1 FM and the harassment of reporters from Peoples Daily and Voice of America.
CITAD demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Isah Mokwa and urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the incident. The group also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution security agencies against being used for political repression. Ya’u emphasized that rather than intimidating critics, Governor Bago should focus on governance, development, and transparency in Niger State.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to defending digital rights and promoting online freedom in Nigeria. CITAD maintained that freedom of speech is essential to democracy and warned that using state power to silence citizens erodes trust in governance. The group vowed to continue advocating for citizens’ rights to express themselves without fear of arrest or harassment.
