By Hadiza Musa Yusuf
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Zakariyya Kabeer Gwagwarwa, a corps member from Kano State serving in Katsina, who was arrested over a Facebook post.
According to CITAD, Zakariyya was detained by the police in Katsina on the orders of a member of the House of Representatives representing Nassarawa Federal Constituency, Kano State.
His only alleged offence was a post on Facebook that read: “Company Pampers must go Sabuwar Nassarawa 2027 Insha Allahu.”
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, YZ Ya’u, on Tuesday, CITAD described the arrest and continued detention as unlawful and a violation of Zakariyya’s constitutional right to freedom of expression.
“This post in no way incites violence or undermines public order; rather, it falls within his constitutionally protected right to free expression,” the statement read.
CITAD expressed concern that after several days in custody without access to his family, Zakariyya was brought before a court, but instead of being released, the case was adjourned for two weeks, thereby prolonging what it described as “unlawful detention.”
The organisation also raised alarm over reports that Zakariyya had been mistreated in custody, with allegations of physical assault by the police.
“The reported torture of youths is disturbing, especially following the recent death of a young Imam from Dorayi while in police custody. Police custody should never be a place where individuals who have not been found guilty by any competent court are subjected to inhuman or extra-judicial torture,” Ya’u said.
CITAD urged the judiciary to uphold fairness and impartiality and resist being used as a tool for political persecution. It also reminded the police of their constitutional duty to protect citizens’ rights, not serve as instruments of intimidation for politicians.
“Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive where the rights of citizens are respected and the rule of law is upheld. Suppressing voices of ordinary Nigerians for exercising their right to free expression is a dangerous step toward authoritarianism and must not be tolerated,” the statement added.
