THE CENTRE for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest of Kwara-based blogger, Ajala Adeshina Shuaib, denouncing it as part of a “dangerous pattern” of politicians weaponising the police to intimidate critics and suppress freedom of expression.
In a press statement, the non-profit organisation detailed its concerns following Shuaib’s arrest, which was allegedly instigated by a petition from Tunji Buhari Sulyman, an aide to Senator Saliu Mustapha. CITAD labelled the arrest a “blatant misuse of law enforcement powers” and a “direct assault” on the constitutional right to free speech.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not a private militia for politicians,” stated YZ Ya’u, CITAD’s Executive Director. “Its constitutional mandate is to protect lives and property, not to intimidate citizens or pursue political vendettas.”
The statement highlighted the stark contrast between the police deployment for a blogger’s arrest over a Facebook post and the pervasive insecurity plaguing the nation, where citizens face daily threats from bandits, kidnappers, and insurgents.
CITAD argued that this misallocation of resources undermines public safety and erodes trust in state institutions, further expressing grave concern over the “chilling effect” such arrests have on journalists, digital rights advocates, and activists.
It warned that treating dissent as a crime stifles the accountability necessary for a healthy democracy. The organisation emphasized that defamation, where it exists, is a civil matter to be pursued through the courts, not a justification for police arrest.
In a series of demands, CITAD called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately and unconditionally release Shuaib, cease the misuse of its personnel for political interests, and refocus on its core constitutional duty of combating insecurity.
The organisation also appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take “decisive action” to halt the abuse of security agencies. It urged the President to direct the Inspector General of Police to establish and enforce clear guidelines prohibiting the arrest of citizens for defamation or political criticism.
“CITAD stands firmly with journalists, digital creators, activists, and all Nigerians who speak truth to power,” the statement concluded, vowing to continue advocacy for “a safer, freer, and more democratic Nigeria.”
