The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has strongly condemned the arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student of Agricultural Economics and Extension at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), reportedly on the orders of the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for allegedly criticizing the governor on Facebook.
The Independent Mirror reports that Abubakar was arrested at his off-campus residence in Lapai and subsequently transferred to the State Police Command Headquarters in Minna.
The police claimed his arrest was based on allegations of “cyberbullying and cyberstalking,” but it is evident that this is another attempt to criminalize free expression and silence dissenting voices in the state.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, CITAD described the arrest as an unlawful and unconstitutional attempt to suppress freedom of expression.
The organization stressed that the arrest of a student for merely expressing his opinion online violates Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression and to hold opinions without interference.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Under Governor Bago’s administration, Niger State has witnessed an increasing pattern of media repression and intolerance toward criticism.
In August 2025, the state government suspended Badegi 90.1 FM for alleged criticism of the governor, while journalists such as Yakubu Mustapha of Peoples Daily and Mustapha Nasiru Batsari of Voice of America (VOA) have faced harassment and assault while performing their professional duties.
CITAD therefore calls for the following actions:
1. The immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Isah Mokwa.
2. The Federal Government, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, called the Nigeria Police Force to order and ensure that security agencies do not continue to serve as instruments of political oppression.
3. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate this case and caution officers against the arbitrary arrest and detention of citizens for expressing their opinions in a democratic society.
4. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to respect the principles of free speech and desist from harassing or intimidating activists, journalists, and media organizations. Instead, he should focus on addressing developmental challenges and improving governance in Niger State.
Freedom of expression remains the foundation of democracy. The continued misuse of state power to silence critics and young people undermines democratic governance and erodes public trust.
CITAD reaffirms its commitment to defending digital rights, promoting online safety, and ensuring that Nigeria remains a country where citizens can freely express their views without fear of intimidation or persecution.
