The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has strongly condemned the arrest of two young citizens in Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State over a social media post allegedly criticizing the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Yakubu Addis, for abandoning a road construction project in the area.

SolaceBase reports that the two individuals, Murtala Garba Doka and Shamsu Safiyanu Lambu, were reportedly arrested on Monday on the orders of the Local Government Chairman following a Facebook post about the uncompleted Lambu–Banki–Yarimawa–Jakata road project, which was reportedly approved by the state government at a cost of ₦240 million

A statement signed by YZ Ya’u, CITAD Executive Director, in Kano, on Wednesday, said the duo were said to have been detained at the Tofa Divisional Police Station before being transferred to the Kano State Police Command Headquarters, Bompai, for further investigation.

According to the statement, their arrest has generated tension within the community.

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‘’CITAD views this incident as part of a growing and disturbing pattern of intimidation, harassment, and unlawful detention of citizens and social media users for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression, ‘’the statement said.

‘’Arresting individuals for expressing opinions on public projects is a gross violation of their digital rights and fundamental freedoms as guaranteed by Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory. This persistent pattern of intimidation, aimed at curtailing the freedoms of citizens, is capable of undermining people’s confidence in electoral democracy, in a context that can only be described as trying times for Nigeria. ‘’

CITAD in the statement, therefore call for the immediate and unconditional release of Murtala Garba Doka and Shamsu Safiyanu Lambu and urged the Kano State Police Command to refrain from being used as a tool for political persecution.

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The statement appeals to public officials to embrace accountability and constructive criticism as integral elements of democratic governance.

‘’Encourage social media users to continue exercising their rights responsibly while contributing to transparency and good governance.

‘’Encourage the Kano State Government to caution local government officials to appreciate public criticism as a strong pillar of democracy that uniquely distinguishes civilian rule from military authoritarianism

CITAD remains committed to promoting digital rights, protecting online freedom of expression, and ensuring that the internet remains a safe space for civic participation and accountability in Nigeria as part of its broader commitment to deepening meaningful democracy in Nigeria.