By Titilope Adako
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), over alleged criticism of Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, on Facebook.
Koikimedia gathered that Mokwa was arrested at his off-campus residence in Lapai and later transferred to the State Police Command Headquarters in Minna.
Police authorities accused him of cyberbullying and cyberstalking.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, on Friday, CITAD described the arrest as an attempt to criminalise free expression and silence dissenting voices.
“Arresting Abubakar simply for sharing his views online is both alarming and unconstitutional,” Ya’u stated.
He noted that the action violates Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression and opinion.
CITAD maintained that the police allegations were baseless and pointed out that similar incidents had occurred under Governor Bago’s administration.
“In August 2025, Badegi 90.1 FM was suspended for allegedly criticising the governor, while journalists such as Yakubu Mustapha of Peoples Daily and Mustapha Nasiru Batsari of Voice of America were harassed while doing their jobs,” the group said.
CITAD demanded the immediate release of Mokwa and urged the federal government to stop security agencies from being used as tools for political intimidation.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Nigeria Police Force to respect citizens’ rights and for the Inspector-General of Police to investigate this case and caution officers against arbitrary arrests,” Ya’u added.
The group also urged Governor Bago to respect freedom of expression and focus on governance rather than intimidating citizens.
“Instead of targeting activists, journalists, and media outlets, the governor should channel his energy towards addressing development challenges in Niger State,” Ya’u said.
CITAD reaffirmed its commitment to defending digital rights and promoting online safety, stressing that freedom of expression remains the bedrock of democracy.
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