The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has accused officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Jigawa State of harassing one of its staff members, following the organisation’s recent advocacy on a human rights case.
A statement issued on Thursday by CITAD’s Executive Director? Y.Z. Yau, expressed concern over what he described as intimidation targeting its Programme Officer in Jigawa State, Mustapha Muhammad.
According to the statement, the development followed its March 10 press conference where it demanded justice for Walida Abdulhadi.
CITAD alleged that Muhammad had received repeated phone calls from DSS officials, culminating in what it termed an “informal summons” to appear at the DSS office on Friday at 10:00 a.m.
It noted that the invitation was conveyed only via phone call, without any formal written communication or clear justification.
CITAD condemned the action, describing it as a violation of both national regulations and international standards guiding the protection of civil society actors.
“Harassing staff for carrying out their lawful work in promoting accountability, child protection, and human rights is unacceptable,” the statement read.
CITAD called on the President of Nigeria to direct the DSS to desist from harassing civil society organisations.
It also urged the Director-General of the DSS to ensure professionalism among personnel, while calling on the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, and the National Human Rights Commission to intervene and monitor the situation.
The organisation further demanded an immediate end to all forms of intimidation against its staff, insisting that official communications should follow due process and transparency. It also called for an investigation into the conduct of the DSS officers involved.
Reaffirming its commitment to human rights advocacy, CITAD stated that its staff operate within the bounds of Nigerian law and international standards, adding that attempts to intimidate them would not deter their mission.
It also reiterated its demand for a thorough investigation into the alleged abduction and sexual assault of Walida Abdulhadi, urging authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
CITAD appealed to the public, media, and civil society organisations to remain vigilant and support efforts aimed at protecting human rights defenders across the country.
