A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), the Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN) has unequivocally condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of staff of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) by officials of the Jigawa State Department of State Services (DSS).

According to a statement issued by Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq. Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN), and sent to SolaceBase on Thursday, said these actions reportedly followed a press conference held by CITAD on 10th March 2026, in which the organization demanded justice for Walida Abdulhadi.

SolaceBase reports that Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim is a girl who was allegedly abducted from Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State by an operative of the Department of State Service (DSS), Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, and forcefully converted to  Christianity.

The issue is generating controversy with legal issues involved in ways to ensure fairness and justice.

This conduct is therefore unacceptable and raises serious concerns about the misuse of state power against legitimate civil society activity.

‘’CITAD has consistently played a critical role in advancing transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights in Nigeria. Its work—particularly in defending vulnerable populations and promoting justice—is lawful, legitimate, and essential to democratic governance. Any attempt to intimidate or undermine its staff must be treated with the seriousness it deserves,’’ the statement said.

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‘’CEFSAN is particularly concerned by the reported targeting of Mustapha Muhammad, a Programme Officer with CITAD in Jigawa State, who has been subjected to repeated phone calls from DSS officials. These actions reportedly culminated in a directive requiring him to report to the DSS office on Friday, 27th March 2026 at 10:00 AM. This directive, communicated informally via telephone without any written notice or stated basis, is irregular, unprofessional, and indicative of undue pressure.

‘’Such practices must not be normalized. They create an atmosphere of fear and send a troubling signal to civil society actors across the country.

‘’While security agencies have a responsibility to safeguard national security, that responsibility must be exercised within the bounds of professionalism, transparency, and due process. Actions that fall short of these standards undermine public confidence and weaken democratic institutions.

‘’In light of the foregoing, CEFSAN demands that the Jigawa State DSS:

1. Immediately cease all forms of harassment, intimidation, or coercion directed at CITAD staff;
2. Ensure that all engagements with citizens and civil society actors are conducted in a transparent, lawful, and properly documented manner;
3. Refrain from any actions that may be perceived as targeting individuals for their legitimate advocacy work.

We call on relevant authorities and oversight bodies to treat this matter with urgency and to ensure that all security agencies operate strictly within the bounds of accountability and respect for citizens’ rights.

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Civil society is not an adversary of the state. Attempts to intimidate or silence it are counterproductive and detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic integrity.

CEFSAN stands in firm solidarity with CITAD and all defenders of human rights. We will continue to speak out against any actions that threaten civic space, undermine accountability, or erode the rule of law.