The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) expresses deep concern over reports that Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi, a resident of Azare, Bauchi State, is currently being targeted for arrest following an article he published criticising the administrative conduct of the Vice Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau (SAZU).
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According to credible sources, the University’s Vice Chancellor is allegedly working in collaboration with the Bauchi State Department of State Services (DSS) to track down Mr. Buwayi for exercising his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
This is an alarming abuse of state power and a direct attack on the fundamental right of expression of citizens in Nigeria.
Mr. Buwayi’s article, titled “Sabotage to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad’s Mission to Rescue Sa’adu Zungur University Gadau from Maladministration: Those Behind,” criticizes alleged corruption, maladministration, and poor infrastructure at the university.
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It raises issues of public concern, including diversion of university funds, broken infrastructure, and students’ welfare all of which deserve attention, not suppression.
While one may disagree with the tone or content of the article, resorting to state-sponsored intimidation is unacceptable.
Citizens must be able and allowed to voice legitimate grievances about public institutions, especially educational institutions, without fear of persecution.
This attempted arrest is part of a worrying pattern of digital repression in Nigeria, where individuals, especially young people, journalists, and activists are increasingly being harassed for what they post online.
In many cases, these actions are justified under vague interpretations of cybercrime laws, despite international rulings that such applications violate human rights.
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.
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Nigeria is also bound by ECOWAS court decisions, which have ruled that arbitrary arrests for online expression are unlawful and undemocratic.
If this trend continues unchecked, it will lead to a climate of fear, discourage civic engagement, and erode trust in public institutions, especially when institutions like universities, which should be promoting dialogue and critical thinking, become the very agents of oppression.
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.
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.
In light of these developments, CITAD demands:
i.An immediate halt to any attempts to arrest or harass Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi.
ii.An independent investigation into the alleged collaboration between the University management and the DSS in targeting a private citizen.
iii.Adherence to constitutional rights, especially digital and civic freedoms guaranteed to all Nigerians.
We also call on the National Human Rights Commission, Civil Society Actors, Journalists and Press Freedom Organizations to closely monitor this case and speak out against the growing use of state institutions to suppress online speech.
We should all know that the strength of a democracy lies not in silencing its critics but in addressing their concerns.
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Attempts to arrest citizens for digital expression is a shameful regression, especially in a nation striving for greater transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
Signed:
YZ Ya’u
Executive Director
CITAD