The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest of two young men in Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State over a Facebook post allegedly criticizing the council chairman,Hon. Ibrahim Yakubu Addis, for abandoning a road construction project in the area.
The two individuals, identified as Murtala Garba Doka and Shamsu Safiyanu Lambu, were reportedly arrested on Monday on the orders of the local government chairman following their online criticism of the uncompleted Lambu–Banki–Yarimawa–Jakata road project, which was said to have been approved by the state government at a cost of ₦240 million.
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Sources said the duo were initially detained at the Tofa Divisional Police Station before being transferred to the Kano State Police Command Headquarters, Bompai, for further investigation a move that has sparked outrage and tension within the community.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Y.Z. Ya’u, CITAD described the arrest as part of a “growing and disturbing pattern of intimidation, harassment, and unlawful detention” of social media users for expressing their opinions on governance and public accountability.
“Arresting individuals for expressing views on public projects is a gross violation of their digital rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,”
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CITAD urged the Kano State Police Command to desist from being used as a tool for political persecution, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the two detained youths.
The organization also appealed to public officials to embrace constructive criticism as part of democratic governance, while encouraging citizens to continue exercising their rights responsibly in promoting transparency and accountability.
“Public criticism is a strong pillar of democracy that distinguishes civilian rule from military authoritarianism,”.
The digital rights advocacy group reaffirmed its commitment to defending online freedom of expression and promoting civic engagement as part of its broader mission to strengthen democracy and digital rights in Nigeria.