The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has raised concerns over the alleged harassment of one of its staff members by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Jigawa State.
In a statement issued on March 26, 2026, CITAD said its Programme Officer in Jigawa, Mustapha Muhammad, had been subjected to repeated phone calls from DSS officials following a March 10 press conference where the organisation demanded justice for Walida Abdulhadi.
According to the statement signed by CITAD Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u, the calls culminated in what it described as an “informal summons” directing the staff member to report to the DSS office on Friday at 10:00 a.m.
The organisation noted that the invitation was communicated solely via phone call without any formal written notice or clear justification, a development it said created unnecessary pressure and amounted to intimidation.
CITAD condemned the action, stating that harassment of its personnel for carrying out lawful duties in promoting accountability, child protection, and human rights is unacceptable and contrary to both national regulations and international standards.
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the DSS to desist from harassing civil society actors. It also urged the DSS Director-General to ensure professionalism and respect for human rights among its personnel.
Additionally, CITAD appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Office of the Inspector-General of Police to intervene and ensure adherence to due process and protection of civil society actors.
The organisation further demanded an immediate end to all forms of intimidation against its staff, insisting that official engagements should follow formal and transparent procedures. It also called for an investigation into the conduct of the DSS officers involved.
Reaffirming its commitment to human rights advocacy, CITAD maintained that its staff operate within the provisions of Nigerian law and international standards, adding that attempts to intimidate them would not deter its mission to protect vulnerable groups.
The group also reiterated its call for authorities to investigate the alleged abduction and assault of Walida Abdulhadi and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
CITAD urged the public, media, and civil society organisations to remain vigilant and support efforts to safeguard human rights defenders across the country.