CITAD Slams Niger Governor Over Student’s Arrest, Demands Immediate Release of IBBUL Postgraduate
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), allegedly ordered by the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for criticizing the governor on social media.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Kano and signed by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, the organization described the arrest as an outrageous abuse of power and a gross violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to CITAD, Mokwa was reportedly picked up by security operatives at his off-campus residence in Lapai and transferred to the State Police Command Headquarters in Minna on allegations of cyberbullying and cyberstalking. The group, however, dismissed the claims as a cover-up, insisting that the real motive behind the arrest was to punish the student for his online criticism of Governor Bago.
“It is clear that this is another attempt to criminalize free expression and silence dissenting voices in Niger State,” CITAD said. “Arresting a student for expressing his opinion on Facebook is unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unacceptable in a society that claims to uphold the rule of law.”
The digital rights advocacy group expressed deep concern over what it described as a pattern of media repression and intolerance under Governor Bago’s administration.
CITAD cited several recent incidents, including the suspension of Badegi 90.1 FM in August 2025 for alleged criticism of the governor, and the harassment and assault of journalists such as Yakubu Mustapha of Peoples Daily and Mustapha Nasiru Batsari of Voice of America (VOA), as evidence of shrinking civic and media freedoms in the state.
“This growing intolerance for criticism is a dangerous sign for democracy,” the organization warned. “Leaders must recognize that public accountability and open dialogue are the cornerstones of good governance.”
CITAD called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained student and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force is not used as a tool of political intimidation.
The group also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate the arrest and caution police officers against unlawful detention of citizens for expressing personal opinions online.
“Governor Bago should focus on addressing developmental challenges in Niger State rather than harassing citizens and journalists,” CITAD added. “Freedom of expression is the foundation of democracy, and suppressing it only weakens governance and public trust.”
Reaffirming its commitment to defending digital rights and online freedom, CITAD said it will continue to advocate for a Nigeria where citizens can freely share their views without fear of intimidation, harassment, or persecution.