CITAD Slams Detention of Danhabu as Attack on Free Speech

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Comrade Danhabu, by the Kaduna State Police Command over a social media post.

In a statement,CITAD described the arrest as an abuse of power and a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and participation in public discourse. The organisation stressed that criticism of public officials and government actions, whether online or offline, is not a criminal offence but a fundamental element of democratic governance.

CITAD also expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and harassment of activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens across Nigeria, often justified under vague cybercrime allegations. According to the organisation, such actions erode public trust in law enforcement institutions and weaken democratic values.

The group called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Idris and urged law enforcement agencies to refrain from being used to silence dissenting voices. It emphasized that the police have a duty to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law, not to intimidate individuals for expressing legitimate concerns.

CITAD further urged Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to prioritise governance issues such as security, livelihoods, service delivery, and the welfare of citizens rather than allowing the arrest of critics demanding transparency and accountability. The organisation warned that silencing critics would only deepen public frustration and undermine good governance.

Reaffirming its commitment to accountability, openness, and respect for human rights, CITAD said it would continue to stand with citizens, activists, and defenders of civic space in Nigeria.

The statement was signed by CITAD’s Executive Director, Yunusa Zakari Ya’u.