The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest and continued detention of journalist Ibrahim Ishaq Danuwa Rano by officers of the Nigeria Police, Zone One Command, Kano.
Danuwa, founder of the online channel Danuwa Rano TV, was reportedly arrested over an online audio commentary alleging that a government official was collecting money from visitors seeking access to the Kano State Governor.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mr Y.Z. Ya’u, on Sunday in Kano, CITAD described the arrest as unjust, unwarranted, and a threat to press freedom and democracy.
Ya’u said the police action followed a complaint allegedly filed by the Director-General of Protocol to the governor, despite the journalist not mentioning any names in his report.
“The arrest represents a dangerous pattern of intolerance and misuse of power to intimidate and silence journalists in Kano State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
CITAD noted that freedom of expression and media independence are guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which Nigeria is obligated to uphold.
Ya’u urged the Nigeria Police and the Kano State Government to immediately and unconditionally release Danuwa Rano and desist from further acts of intimidation against journalists.
He called on civil society organisations, media associations, and human rights defenders to condemn what he described as a growing pattern of press suppression.
CITAD reaffirmed its commitment to defending freedom of expression, digital rights, and the safety of journalists across Nigeria.