Freelance journalist Ismail Auwal has spoken following his detention by the Kano State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID), allegedly on the orders of the state’s Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya.
The Independent mirror reports that in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Auwal expressed gratitude to those who supported him during what he described as an “unnecessary tussle.”
“I found it almost inescapable to break my long break, shake the dust off this account, and step back here. I’m here to do one thing: thank you all. Your love, your unwavering support, your solidarity, it’s been a lifeline through a storm I never anticipated,” Auwal wrote.
He acknowledged the intervention of Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, saying, “I spoke with His Excellency for the first time during this ordeal, and his swift response took me by surprise. That gesture alone deserves my heartfelt appreciation.”
Auwal also thanked legal practitioners and civil society organizations that supported him. “Then there are the pillars who held me up: Sunusi Musa, SAN; Abdul Fagge, SAN,
Others Barrister Aminu S. Fatima; Barrister Yankuzo; Dr. Aminu Hayatu; and the League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano. You didn’t just stand by me—you stood tall for me, a fortress of strength and advocacy. I’m forever in your debt.”
The journalist, who has spoken on press freedom, also appreciated colleagues in the media. “To my friends and bosses in the media—those relentless voices who reached into my quiet corner of the world—thank you. You took my story and gave it wings when my own voice faltered. I’ll never forget that.”
Auwal concluded his statement with a reflection, saying he would step back from public engagements for a while. “This isn’t just a note of thanks. It’s a vow etched in every word: I see you, I cherish you, and I’ll hold this gratitude close, always. I’ll be going back to my break for now, but I’ll see you all again in a few months.”
His detention has raised concerns about press freedom in Kano, with media professionals and activists calling for greater protections for journalists in the state.
