By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned in strong terms the arrest and continued detention of three social media influencers in Gombe State Abu Ayrin, Musa Khale, and Alhaji Audu Atampa Bajoga reportedly over their online posts.
The call was contained in a press release was signed today and issued to newsmen by Engr. Y.Z. Ya’u, Executive Director of CITAD.
According to Ya’u, credible media reports and information obtained by CITAD, the trio were apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and are currently being held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The organization expressed concern that the individuals have allegedly been detained for several days without any formal charges being disclosed.
CITAD described the arrests as a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and an affront to Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and due process.
It warned that deploying security agencies to target individuals for expressing opinions online undermines democratic values and weakens civic space.
The group further expressed worry over reports linking the arrests to alleged influence from powerful figures, including former Minister Isa Ali Pantami. CITAD maintained that law enforcement should not be used to settle personal scores or silence dissent in a democracy.
The organization demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the detained influencers unless they are promptly charged before a competent court, in accordance with the law.
It also urged the Nigeria Police Force to provide full transparency on the legal basis for the arrests and to respect citizens’ constitutional rights.
CITAD called on the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police to caution officers nationwide against the misuse of police powers, stressing that professionalism, political neutrality, and adherence to the rule of law must be upheld.
“Nigeria’s democracy depends on protecting not punishing citizens who exercise their constitutional rights,” the statement read.