CITAD Accuses Politicians of Weaponizing Police, Demands Immediate Release of Blogger Munjala

By Ladan Nasidi, Kano

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned what it describes as the growing weaponization of the Nigeria Police Force by political actors to intimidate journalists, bloggers, and human rights defenders. The organization made this known while calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Kwara-based blogger Ajala Adeshina Shuaib, widely known as Manjala, who was arrested over alleged defamation.

According to reports, Shuaib was apprehended following a petition filed by Tunji Buhari Sulyman, a legislative aide to Senator Saliu Mustapha. CITAD described the arrest as a “blatant misuse of law enforcement power” and a direct assault on the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression.

CITAD stressed that Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution protects the right of every citizen to hold and express opinions without fear of harassment or intimidation. The organization warned that the recurring arrests of bloggers, journalists, and digital creators for expressing critical views undermine democratic values and shrink the civic space.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not a private militia for politicians. Its mandate is to protect lives and property—not to serve as an instrument for political vendettas,” CITAD stated.

The organization expressed concern that while insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime continue to threaten communities across the country, police resources are being diverted to arrest a blogger over a social media post. Such actions, it emphasized, erode public trust and discourage civic participation.

CITAD also noted the severe chilling effect these incidents have on journalists, digital rights advocates, youth content creators, and human rights defenders, warning that democracy cannot thrive where dissent is criminalized.

The organization issued a four-point demand to the Nigeria Police Force:

1. End the misuse of police powers for political or personal interests.
2. Refocus on constitutional duties of protecting lives, property, and combating rising insecurity.
3. Release Ajala Adeshina Shuaib immediately and unconditionally.
4. Advise Tunji Buhari Sulyman to seek redress in court if he feels defamed rather than misuse the police for self-help.

CITAD further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively to halt the growing abuse of state security agencies for personal or political gain. The organization called on the President to direct the Inspector General of Police to issue and enforce guidelines prohibiting the arrest of citizens over defamation or political disagreement.

According to the statement, protecting Nigeria’s civic and digital spaces is essential for democratic accountability and national stability.

CITAD reiterated its unwavering commitment to defending journalists, digital creators, and all Nigerians who speak truth to power.
“We will not allow intimidation to silence advocacy for a safer, freer, and more democratic Nigeria,” the statement added.

Signed:
Yunusa Zakari Ya’u
Executive Director, CITAD