Kano Civil Society Groups warn against intimidation in police probe of Ja’afar Ja’afar

The League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano State has expressed concern over the police invitation extended to the publisher of Daily Nigerian, Ja’afar Ja’afar, urging security agencies to ensure fairness and avoid political intimidation in handling the case.

The police invitation followed a directive from Chief Magistrate Court No. 15, Nomansland, Kano, in response to a criminal complaint filed by Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, Director-General of Protocol to the Kano State Governor. The complaint alleged criminal defamation and incitement in reports published by Daily Nigerian.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the coalition recalled that the newspaper had earlier published investigative reports alleging the diversion of N6.5 billion from the office of the DG Protocol, a matter already under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

While acknowledging the police mandate to investigate complaints, the coalition cautioned against the misuse of state institutions.

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“We are compelled to stress that such investigations must be conducted within the boundaries of fairness, justice, and due process. The police should not, under any guise, be used as instruments of political suppression or intimidation against journalists,” the statement read.

The League described journalists as vital defenders of democracy. “Journalists are not only the watchdogs of society but also the voices of the voiceless and defenders of truth,” said Comrade Bala Abdullahi Gaduwama of Wuro Development Concerns, one of the signatories.

Another signatory, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo of the Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement, noted that freedom of expression and press freedom are constitutional rights.

He stressed that “any attempt to muzzle the press through intimidation or criminal charges undermines democracy and weakens the credibility of our institutions.”

The coalition also criticized what it called the growing trend of deploying state institutions to settle political scores, warning that such practices erode public trust and embolden corruption.

The statement further called on the judiciary to be cautious in granting orders that could be exploited to silence critical voices. “Courts, as citadels of justice, must prioritize the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms,” the League emphasized.

Reaffirming solidarity with the Nigerian media, the civil society groups praised investigative journalists who continue to expose corruption despite threats.

“The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility, and journalists should be commended, not persecuted, for their contributions,” said Comrade Fatima A. Ibrahim of the United Action for Democracy.

The League concluded by urging security agencies, political leaders, and citizens to safeguard press freedom and democratic governance. “The preservation of these values is not negotiable,” the groups stated.

Altogether, 22 civil society groups endorsed the statement, including Wuro Development Concerns (WDCN), the Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN), and the United Action for Democracy (UAD), among others.