The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Zakariyya Kabeer Gwagwarwa, a corps member from Kano State currently serving in Katsina, who was allegedly arrested over a Facebook post.
According to reports, Gwagwarwa was picked up by the police in Katsina on the directive of a member of the House of Representatives representing Nassarawa Federal Constituency, Kano State. His purported offense was a social media post stating: “Company Pampers must go Sabuwar Nassarawa 2027 Insha Allahu.”
CITAD, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, described the arrest and continued detention as unlawful and a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
“His post neither incited violence nor undermined public order. It falls squarely within his constitutionally protected rights,” the statement read.
The organization expressed concern that after days in detention without access to his family, Zakariyya was eventually taken to court, only for the case to be adjourned for two weeks, further prolonging his detention.
Equally worrisome, CITAD noted, were reports that the corps member was subjected to physical assault while in police custody. The group condemned such acts, recalling the recent death of a young Imam from Dorayi allegedly tortured while in detention.
“Police custody should never be a place where individuals who have not been found guilty by any competent court are subjected to inhuman or extra-judicial torture,” CITAD stated.
The group urged the judiciary to uphold fairness and impartiality, warning against being used as a tool for political persecution. It also reminded the police of their constitutional duty to protect citizens rather than serve as instruments of intimidation.
CITAD stressed that democracy in Nigeria can only thrive when the rights of citizens are respected and the rule of law upheld. It warned that silencing ordinary Nigerians for expressing their opinions online is a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism.