CITAD Condemns Arrest of IBBUL Student for Criticizing Niger Governor, Demands Immediate Release
By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student at the Department of Agricultural Economy and Extension, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), allegedly ordered by the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, over a Facebook post criticizing the governor.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, and released on Thursday, CITAD described the arrest as a gross violation of human rights and a deliberate attempt to suppress freedom of expression. The organization noted that Abubakar was picked up from his off-campus residence in Lapai and transferred to the State Police Command Headquarters in Minna.
According to CITAD, the police claimed the arrest was based on alleged “cyber bullying and cyberstalking,” but the organization insisted that it was another case of using state machinery to intimidate citizens and stifle dissent.
CITAD stated that the action was deeply disturbing and unconstitutional, arguing that it violated Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression and opinion.
The organization further expressed concern over what it termed a growing trend of intolerance toward criticism under Governor Bago’s administration.
It recalled that in August 2025, the state government suspended Badegi 90.1 FM for alleged criticism of the governor, while journalists such as Yakubu Mustapha of Peoples Daily and Mustapha Nasiru Batsari of Voice of America (VOA) had been harassed and assaulted in the course of their duties.
CITAD called for the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Isah Mokwa and urged the Federal Government, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force does not become an instrument of political oppression.
The organization also called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the arrest and caution officers against arbitrary detention of citizens for expressing their views in a democratic society.
It further urged Governor Bago to uphold the principles of free speech and focus on addressing developmental challenges in Niger State rather than targeting critics.
“Freedom of expression is the foundation of democracy. The continued misuse of state power to silence critics and young people undermines democratic governance and civic trust,” the statement read in part.
CITAD reaffirmed its commitment to defending digital rights, promoting online safety, and ensuring that Nigerians can freely express their opinions without fear of intimidation or persecution.
