- Says Criticism Not A Crime
THE CENTRE for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has issued a strong condemnation of the arrest and continued detention of activist Abubakar Idris, widely known as Comrade Danhabu, by the Kaduna State Police Command.
The arrest, reportedly over a social media post, has been denounced as a flagrant abuse of power and an assault on fundamental democratic freedoms.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, YZ Ya’u, CITAD described the detention as a “troubling attack on citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression and participation in public discourse.”
CITAD stressed that criticism of public officials and government actions constitutes a core pillar of democratic governance, not a criminal act.
The organisation expressed profound concern over what it described as a “growing pattern of arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and harassment of activists, journalists, and citizens across the country.”
It warned that such actions, often pursued under broad allegations like cybercrime, are eroding public trust in law enforcement and undermining democratic values.
CITAD therefore called for the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Idris as it also urged the Nigeria Police Force to “desist from being used as a tool to silence dissenting voices” but instead uphold its duty to protect the rule of law and citizens’ rights.
The statement also directly appealed to Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, advising him to concentrate on pressing governance issues such as security, livelihood, and service delivery.
“Silencing critics does not solve governance challenges; it only deepens public frustration,” the statement read, arguing that the arrest of citizens demanding transparency and accountability detracts from substantive governance.
CITAD reiterated its position that accountability, openness, and respect for human rights are indispensable for sustainable development and democratic stability. It pledged its continued solidarity with citizens, activists, and all defenders of the civic space in Nigeria.
