The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student of the Department of Agricultural Economy and Extension at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), allegedly on the orders of Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, for criticising the governor on Facebook.
According to reports, Abubakar was arrested at his off-campus residence in Lapai and later transferred to the Niger State Police Command Headquarters in Minna. The police claimed that his arrest was based on allegations of “cyber bullying and cyberstalking.”
However, CITAD, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, described the arrest as an unlawful attempt to criminalise free expression and silence dissenting voices in the state.
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“The arrest of a student for merely expressing his opinion online is a clear violation of Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression and to hold opinions without interference,” the statement read.
CITAD further expressed concern that the incident reflects a disturbing pattern of media repression and intolerance for criticism under Governor Bago’s administration. It recalled that in August 2025, the state government suspended Badegi 90.1 FM for alleged criticism of the governor, while journalists such as Yakubu Mustapha of Peoples Daily and Mustapha Nasiru Batsari of Voice of America (VOA) were harassed for performing their professional duties.
The organisation demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Isah Mokwa and called on the Federal Government, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to caution the Nigeria Police Force against being used as a tool for political oppression.
It also urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the incident and ensure that officers desist from arbitrary arrests of citizens for expressing their opinions in a democratic setting.
CITAD appealed to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to respect the principles of free speech, desist from intimidating critics, and focus on addressing developmental challenges in Niger State.
“Freedom of expression is the foundation of democracy. The continued misuse of state power to silence critics undermines civic trust and weakens democratic governance,” the statement added.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to defending digital rights, promoting online safety, and ensuring that Nigeria remains a country where citizens can freely express their opinions without fear of intimidation or persecution.