The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the continued detention of two Nigerians, Sani Waspapping and Abubakar Adamu, by the Department of State Services (DSS) over comments made on social media regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement by the Executive Director of CITAD, Y. Z. Ya’u, the organisation expressed deep concern over what it described as a troubling trend of targeting individuals for expressing critical views online.
According to CITAD, credible reports indicate that one of the detainees is currently facing prosecution on what the organisation described as questionable charges.
The group also said it received reports that several individuals who have expressed criticism of the policies of the governments of the United States and Israel have been invited or summoned by the DSS.
CITAD described the actions as inconsistent with Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.
The organisation noted that Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the right of citizens to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.
It emphasised that criticism of any government’s policies, whether domestic or foreign, falls within the scope of protected speech and should not be criminalised.
CITAD warned that equating criticism of the policies of the governments of the United States or Israel with incitement could undermine democratic freedoms and further shrink civic space in the country.
The organisation said such actions risk creating a climate of fear that discourages citizens from exercising their legitimate right to express opinions on matters of public interest.
“As an organisation committed to the protection of digital rights and freedom of expression, we are particularly concerned about the implications of these actions for online civic engagement,” the statement said.
“The targeting of individuals for their views expressed on social media sets a troubling precedent and raises serious questions about respect for digital rights in Nigeria.”
CITAD therefore urged the DSS to immediately respect the rights of citizens to peacefully express their opinions and to avoid actions that weaken constitutionally protected freedoms.
The organisation also called on Nigerian authorities to ensure that security agencies operate strictly within the bounds of the law and respect Nigeria’s obligations under both the Constitution and international human rights frameworks that protect freedom of expression.