THE CENTRE for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has issued a strong condemnation of the Jigawa State Police Command following the arrest and detention of a prominent civic activist, Abba Mu’azu, widely known as Comrade Abiyo Roni.
In a press statement released on Friday, November 14th, 2025, signed by Y. Z. Ya’u, its Executive Director, CITAD decried the move as an unlawful assault on constitutional freedoms and a dangerous politicisation of law enforcement.
The controversy stems from an online post made by Comrade Abiyo Roni, which featured photographs from a recent constituency empowerment programme organised by the Chairman of Roni LGA, Dr. Abba Ya’u Roni.
The event involved the distribution of items such as locally fabricated wheelbarrows and water jerrycans to residents. CITAD states that the activist’s post merely raised lawful questions regarding public accountability and the utilisation of public funds – a right explicitly guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Despite the ostensibly benign nature of the inquiry, Comrade Abiyo was subsequently arrested and is currently being held at the Jigawa State Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
CITAD describes his detention as a direct violation of his fundamental rights to freedom of expression, personal liberty, and protection from arbitrary arrest.
“The detention of a citizen for expressing an opinion is a direct assault on constitutional freedoms,” the statement read. It further accused the state authorities of deploying the Nigeria Police Force as a “political weapon to silence critics or intimidate active citizens,” a practice it insists must cease immediately.
CITAD issued a series of urgent calls, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Abiyo Roni by the Jigawa State Police Command.
The organisation has also appealed to the Inspector General of Police to launch an investigation into what it characterises as a blatant misuse of police authority.
CITAD also called on the Jigawa State Government, particularly the Governor, to intervene and uphold the rule of law.
At the federal level, CITAD called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “call the Police to order,” and to ensure the protection of citizens’ democratic and digital rights. It also made a special appeal to the National Human Rights Commission to respond directly to this “abuse of office.”
CITAD stressed the essential role of public scrutiny in a healthy democracy, asserting that “public scrutiny is not an attack, it is a democratic duty.” It called on politicians at all levels to respect human rights, uphold democratic norms, and allow citizens to ask legitimate questions about the expenditure of public money.
“Nigeria cannot progress when dissent is criminalised and activists are punished for demanding transparent governance,” the statement noted, as CITAD pledged to continue monitoring the situation and to speak out against the growing trend of criminalising civic responsibility.
It called on other civil society organisations and the media to ensure justice is served in this case.
