PROMINENT Nigerian digital rights advocacy organisation, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has raised alarm over the continued detention of two individuals by the Department of State Services (DSS) for expressing opinions on social media about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
CITAD, in a statement released on Saturday, while identifying the detainees as Sani Waspapping and Abubakar Adamu, also expressed profound concern over their treatment by the secret police, reporting that at least one of them is now facing prosecution on “questionable charges.”
The statement signed by CITAD’s Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u, also disclosed receiving “disturbing reports” that a broader pattern of intimidation is unfolding, with several other Nigerians who have voiced critical views regarding the policies of the United States and Israel being summoned or invited for questioning by the DSS.
In its strongly-worded release, CITAD described the actions of the security agency as a direct assault on the fundamental rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
It pointed specifically to Section 39, which guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas without interference.
“Criticism of the policies of any government – whether domestic or foreign – falls squarely within the ambit of protected speech and should not be criminalized,” the statement read.
The organisation argued that equating such policy critiques with incitement is a “dangerous distortion” that threatens to erode democratic freedoms and shrink the civic space within the country. This, they warn, creates a climate of fear that could deter citizens from engaging in legitimate discourse on matters of public interest.
As an organisation dedicated to the protection of digital rights, CITAD highlighted the grave implications of this trend for online engagement. “The targeting of individuals for their views expressed on social media sets a troubling precedent and raises serious questions about the respect for digital rights in Nigeria,” the statement noted.
CITAD is therefore urgently calling on the DSS to immediately cease the violation of citizens’ rights and to uphold the constitutionally protected freedom to peacefully express opinions.
It also urged the broader Nigerian authorities to ensure all security operatives act strictly within the bounds of the law and adhere to the country’s obligations under both the Constitution and international human rights frameworks.
“Nigeria must remain a country where citizens can freely express their opinions without fear of intimidation, harassment, or arbitrary detention,” the statement asserted.
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Human rights is legitimate and constitutionally guaranteed, and thus remains the basis for freedom of expression – of opinions, views, etc. on both domestic and international issues…