By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student of the Department of Agricultural Economy and Extension at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), allegedly on the orders of Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for criticizing the governor on Facebook.
In a statement signed by CITED Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, issued to DAILY POST described the arrest as unconstitutional and an attempt to stifle free expression in the state.
According to the statement, Abubakar was arrested at his off-campus lodge in Lapai and later transferred to the Niger State Police Command Headquarters in Minna. The police reportedly accused him of “cyber bullying and cyberstalking,” a claim CITAD said was a pretext to silence dissenting voices.
The organization said the action violated Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees citizens the right to freedom of expression and opinion without interference.
CITAD noted that the incident reflects a disturbing pattern of media repression under Governor Bago’s administration. It recalled that in August 2025, the state government suspended Badegi 90.1 FM for allegedly criticizing the governor, while journalists including Yakubu Mustapha of Peoples Daily and Mustapha Nasiru Batsari of Voice of America (VOA) were harassed and assaulted in the line of duty.
The group called for the immediate and unconditional release of the arrested student, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution security agencies against being used as tools of political intimidation.
It also called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the matter and warned against the arbitrary arrest of citizens for expressing their opinions.
CITAD further urged Governor Bago to uphold the principles of free speech and focus on addressing developmental challenges rather than intimidating journalists and activists.
“Freedom of expression is the foundation of democracy,” the statement read. “The continued misuse of state power to silence critics and young people undermines democratic governance and civic trust.”
CITAD reaffirmed its commitment to defending digital rights and ensuring that Nigerians can express their views freely without fear of harassment or persecution.
