Arresting citizens for facebook posts violates digital rights – CITAD

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 local council chairman.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u on Wednesday, the organization described the arrest as a violation of citizens’ digital rights and freedom of expression guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.

According to CITAD, the two youths Murtala Garba Doka and Shamsu Safiyanu Lambu were arrested on Monday on the orders of the Tofa Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Yakubu Addis, after they made a Facebook post criticizing him for allegedly abandoning the Lambu–Banki–Yarimawa–Jakata road project, said to have been approved by the state government at a cost of ₦240 million.

The statement said the duo were first detained at the Tofa Divisional Police Station before being transferred to the Kano State Police Command Headquarters, Bompai, for further investigation.

CITAD warned that such actions are becoming a dangerous pattern aimed at silencing citizens who speak out against poor governance.

“Arresting citizens for expressing their opinions on public issues, especially through social media, is a gross violation of their digital rights and fundamental freedoms,” the statement read.

“Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of expression, and no public official should undermine that.”

The organization called for the immediate and unconditional release of the two detained youths and urged the police not to allow themselves to be used for political purposes.

“The police must not be turned into a tool for intimidation or political persecution. Public officials must learn to accept criticism as an essential part of democracy and accountability.”

The group also encouraged social media users to continue to express their opinions responsibly while promoting transparency and good governance.

“We will continue to stand for a safe and open internet space where citizens can participate freely without fear of harassment.”