By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has strongly criticised the arrest and detention of young civic activist, Abba Mu’azu popularly known as Comrade Abiyo Roni by operatives of the Jigawa State Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The statement, signed by CITAD’s Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, expressed outrage over what it described as the unlawful weaponisation of the police against civic activism in Jigawa State.
According to CITAD, Comrade Abiyo was arrested after he posted photos questioning a controversial empowerment programme by the Chairman of Roni Local Government, Dr. Abba Ya’u Roni, in which residents received locally fabricated wheelbarrows and water jerrycans.
The organisation noted that the online post merely raised legitimate concerns about transparency and the use of public funds issues fully within the rights guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
CITAD condemned the detention as a gross violation of fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, personal liberty, and protection from arbitrary arrest. It warned that using the police to silence citizens is a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic space.
The organisation demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Abiyo Roni, while calling on the Inspector General of Police to investigate alleged misuse of police authority. It also urged the Governor of Jigawa State to intervene in defense of the rule of law.
CITAD further called on the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the protection of democratic and digital rights, and asked the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to directly respond to what it termed an abuse of office.
The group urged politicians at all levels to respect human rights, encourage public accountability, and refrain from criminalising dissent. “Public scrutiny is not an attack; it is a democratic duty,” the statement stressed.
CITAD appealed to civil society organisations, the media, and human rights defenders to monitor the case closely to ensure justice is upheld, reaffirming its commitment to defending digital rights and resisting attempts to suppress legitimate civic engagement.