By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the continued detention of two Nigerians, Sani Waspapping and Abubakar Adamu, by the Department of State Services (DSS) over social media commentary related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement signed and issued to newsmen on Friday by Y. Z. Ya’u, Executive Director of CITAD, expressed deep concern over the situation, describing the detention as troubling and inconsistent with the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.
According to Ya’u on behalf of the organization, credible reports indicate that one of the detainees is currently facing prosecution on what it described as questionable charges.
CITAD also said it had received reports that several individuals who expressed critical views on the policies of the governments of the United States and Israel had been invited or summoned by the DSS.
The Centre noted that such actions undermine citizens’ constitutional rights. It cited Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the right of citizens to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.
The organization emphasized that criticism of the policies of any government, whether domestic or foreign, falls within the scope of protected speech and should not be criminalized.
According to CITAD, equating criticism of the policies of the governments of the United States or Israel with incitement constitutes a dangerous distortion that could undermine democratic freedoms and further shrink Nigeria’s civic space.
The organization warned that actions of this nature could create a climate of fear that discourages citizens from exercising their legitimate right to express opinions on issues of public interest.
As an organization advocating for digital rights and freedom of expression, CITAD said it is particularly worried about the implications of the detentions for online civic engagement.
It added that targeting individuals for views expressed on social media sets a troubling precedent and raises serious concerns about respect for digital rights in the country.
CITAD therefore called on the DSS to respect citizens’ rights to peacefully express their opinions and to refrain from actions that could weaken constitutionally protected freedoms.
The organization also urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that security agencies operate strictly within the bounds of the law and uphold the country’s obligations under the Constitution and international human rights frameworks protecting freedom of expression.
“Nigeria must remain a country where citizens can freely express their opinions without fear of intimidation, harassment or arbitrary detention,” the statement said.