The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student in Agricultural Economy and Extension at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), reportedly on the orders of Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, for allegedly criticizing the governor on Facebook.
In a statement made available to Stallion Times on Friday, the Executive Director of CITAD, YZ Ya’u, said Abubakar was arrested at his off-campus residence in Lapai and later transferred to the Niger State Police Command Headquarters in Minna.
According to the statement, Police authorities claimed he was being investigated for “cyberbullying and cyberstalking,” but CITAD described the arrest as yet another attempt to criminalize free speech and suppress dissent in the state.
CITAD stated that the arrest violated Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees citizens the right to freedom of expression and opinion.
The organization noted that the incident was part of a disturbing trend of media repression in Niger State under Governor Bago.
It recalled that in August 2025, the state government suspended Badegi 90.1 FM for alleged criticism of the governor, while journalists such as Yakubu Mustapha of Peoples Daily and Mustapha Nasiru Batsari of Voice of America (VOA) were harassed and assaulted for carrying out their professional duties.
CITAD called for the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Isah Mokwa and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that security agencies do not become tools of political intimidation.
It also called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate the case and caution officers against arbitrary arrests over online opinions.
CITAD urged Governor Bago to respect democratic rights rather than harass activists, journalists, and media organizations.
“Freedom of expression is the foundation of democracy.
“The continued misuse of state power to silence critics undermines governance and public trust,” CITAD said, reaffirming its commitment to defending digital rights and online freedoms in Nigeria.
