CITAD Demands Immediate Release of Usman Sabo, Condemns Crackdown on Digital Freedoms

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) expresses deep concern over the growing pattern of harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detention of citizens in Bauchi State for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression online.

Y.Z Ya’u, Executive Director of CITAD disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen today.

According to the statement, in the latest incident, Mr. Usman Sabo, a youth from Shira Local Government Area, was arrested on Friday by officers from the GRA Police Division following Facebook posts critical of the LG Chairman, Babangida Ishaq.

Mr. Sabo’s posts highlighted governance failures, including the non-sponsorship of the Shira LG football team in the Kaura Unity Cup, delays in paying workers’ salaries, and attempts to evict long-term occupants of government housing. He was subsequently taken to Bauchi without due process.

This comes just weeks after Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi, a resident of Azare, faced alleged targeting by the Department of State Services (DSS) for publishing an article criticising the Vice Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau (SAZU). Both cases reflect a disturbing trend where security agencies are being used to silence legitimate criticism of public officials.

Such actions are clear violations of Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and ECOWAS court rulings, all of which guarantee freedom of expression. Suppressing critical voices undermines democracy, erodes public trust, and fosters a climate of fear.

CITAD therefore demands the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Usman Sabo.
An end to the misuse of police and security agencies to settle political or personal grievances as well as independent investigations into both cases to hold accountable those involved in the abuse of power, including respect for citizens’ digital rights and civic freedoms as guaranteed under Nigerian and international law.

CITAD however, called on the National Human Rights Commission, civil society groups, and press freedom advocates to closely monitor developments in Bauchi State and resist the creeping culture of digital repression.

“Public officials must understand that leadership entails accountability, not immunity from criticism” the statement concluded.