By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest and detention of human rights journalist and investigative reporter, Ahmed Isa Sakpe, by the Niger State Police Command over alleged cyberbullying and related offences reportedly linked to his professional work.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u, CITAD described the development as deeply troubling and reflective of a growing pattern where cybercrime-related provisions are increasingly invoked to target journalists, activists, and citizens for expressing dissenting opinions or engaging in investigative reporting.
The organization emphasized that freedom of expression and press freedom are guaranteed under Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and reinforced by Nigeria’s commitments under regional and international human rights frameworks. It warned that using security agencies to intimidate or silence journalists undermines democratic governance and weakens public trust in institutions.
CITAD expressed deep concern over reports suggesting that political actors within the Niger State Government may have influenced the journalist’s arrest, describing such interference as an abuse of power and a direct assault on democratic accountability. The organization also noted a disturbing trend of arrests and legal threats against critics and journalists in Niger State in recent times, stressing that democratic governance demands tolerance of criticism, openness to scrutiny, and respect for the media’s role as the watchdog of society.
The Centre called for the immediate and unconditional release of Ahmed Isa Sakpe, alongside an independent review of the circumstances surrounding his arrest. It also demanded an end to the misuse of cybercrime and defamation laws as instruments for silencing journalists and critics, and urged stronger safeguards to protect press freedom and civic space in Niger State and across the country.
CITAD further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently engage relevant authorities and ensure that state governments do not weaponize law enforcement institutions against journalists, activists, and citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that democracy thrives on accountability, insisting that journalists and human rights defenders must not be punished for speaking truth to power. CITAD pledged to continue standing firmly in defence of digital rights, civic freedoms, and the protection of journalists across Nigeria.