…Alleges Ex-Minister’s Hand In Arrest
THE CENTRE for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has demanded the immediate release of three social media influencers detained in Gombe State, alleging that the arrests were carried out on the orders of a former government minister and represents a dangerous attack on free speech in Nigeria.
The detained social media influencers – Abu Ayrin, Musa Khale, and Alhaji Audu Atampa Bajoga – were reportedly picked up by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force several days ago and are currently being held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Gombe State Police Command.
According to a statement signed by CITAD’s Executive Director, Engr. YZ Ya’u, the arrests stem from posts the trio allegedly made on social media.
Despite being in custody for an extended period, no formal charges have been filed against the men, a situation CITAD describes as a blatant violation of constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and due process.
In a strongly worded condemnation, CITAD alleged that the crackdown was not a routine police operation but a targeted act of intimidation influenced by powerful political interests.
“We are particularly concerned by reports suggesting that the arrests may have been influenced by powerful interests, including allegations linking the action to former Minister Isa Ali Pantami,” the statement read. “Law enforcement agencies must never be deployed to settle personal scores or silence dissenting voices in a democratic society.”
Pantami is a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, a situation that adds a significant political dimension to the case.
CITAD views the detention of the Gombe influencers as part of a broader, troubling pattern of using state security agencies to target citizens for peacefully expressing their views online.
The organisation warned that such actions undermine democratic norms and threaten the civic space in Nigeria. “The use of law enforcement agencies to target individuals for peacefully expressing their views online undermines democratic norms and threatens civic space,” Ya’u warned.
CITAD issued a four-point demand – the immediate and unconditional release of Abu Ayrin, Musa Khale, and Alhaji Audu Atampa Bajoga, unless they are promptly charged before a court of competent jurisdiction; full transparency from the Nigeria Police Force regarding the legal basis for the arrests and continued detention; and respect for constitutional rights, including the right to freedom of expression and protection from arbitrary arrest.
CITAD also appealed directly to the new Inspector-General of Police, urging him to caution officers and commands across the country against the misuse of police powers. It also stressed that the police must uphold professionalism, political neutrality, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“Nigeria’s democracy depends on protecting, not punishing, citizens who exercise their constitutional rights,” the statement stressed, adding: “We will continue to monitor the situation and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure accountability.”
As of the time of this report, the Gombe State Police Command has not issued an official response to the allegations regarding the basis for the detentions or the claims of external influence by the former minister. Family members of the detained influencers have reportedly expressed frustration over the lack of information and the denial of access to their loved ones.
