Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on the Jigawa State Police Command to immediately release civic activist Abba Mu’azu, popularly known as Comrade Abiyo Roni.
The centre described his detention as an assault on constitutional freedoms.
Comrade Abiyo was arrested after allegedly posting photos of an empowerment programme by the Chairman of Roni Local Government, Dr. Abba Ya’u Roni, where residents received locally fabricated wheelbarrows and water jerrycans.
CITAD said his post merely raised lawful questions about public accountability and the use of public funds, rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
In a statement on Friday, YZ Ya’u, Executive Director of CITAD, condemned the arrest and warned against the continued weaponisation of the police to silence citizens.
“The detention of a citizen for expressing an opinion is a direct attack on freedom of expression, personal liberty, and protection from arbitrary arrest,” he said.
The organisation urged the Inspector General of Police to investigate the alleged misuse of police authority, and called on the Jigawa State Government, including the Governor, to defend the rule of law.
CITAD also appealed to the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that citizens’ democratic and digital rights are respected.
“Nigeria cannot progress when dissent is criminalised and activists are punished for demanding transparent governance. Public scrutiny is not an attack; it is a democratic duty.”
The organisation further urged politicians at all levels to uphold human rights, respect democratic norms, and allow citizens to ask legitimate questions about the use of public funds.
CITAD said it will continue to monitor the situation and speak out against attempts to criminalise civic activism.
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