The statement was signed by CITAD’s Executive Director, YZ Ya’u.
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the unlawful arrest and detention of young civic activist Abba Mu’azu, popularly known as Comrade Abiyo Roni, by the Jigawa State Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
A2zgist earlier reported that the social activist identified as Comrade Abiyo Roni, known on X (formerly Twitter) as @AbbaM_Abiyos, had been arrested in Jigawa State.
This was after he posted photos of a controversial “empowerment” programme by the Chairman of Roni Local Government Area, who distributed locally fabricated wheelbarrows and water jerrycans to residents.
In a statement issued on Friday, CITAD said: “The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) expresses deep outrage over the unlawful arrest and detention of young civic activist Abba Mu’azu, popularly known as Comrade Abiyo Roni, who is currently held at the Jigawa State Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID).”
The statement was signed by CITAD’s Executive Director, YZ Ya’u.
According to the organization, the activist was arrested over a social media post questioning a controversial local government empowerment programme.
CITAD noted: “Comrade Abiyo was arrested shortly after posting photos of a controversial “empowerment” programme by the Chairman of Roni Local Government, Dr. Abba Ya’u Roni, in which residents were given locally fabricated wheelbarrows and water jerrycans. His post simply raised lawful questions about public accountability and the use of public funds—rights fully guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.”
Describing the action as an attack on fundamental freedoms, the group added: “The detention of a citizen for expressing an opinion is a direct assault on constitutional freedoms, including freedom of expression, personal liberty, and protection from arbitrary arrest. The Nigeria Police Force must not continue to be deployed as a political weapon to silence critics or intimidate active citizens.”
CITAD issued a list of urgent demands, calling on authorities at various levels to intervene.
It urged: “The Jigawa State Police Command to immediately and unconditionally release Comrade Abiyo Roni; the Inspector General of Police to investigate the misuse of police authority in this incident.”
The organisation further called on: “The Jigawa State Government, including the Governor, to intervene and defend the rule of law.”
It also appealed to the Nigerian government: “and President Bola Tinubu to call the Police to order, protect citizens’ democratic rights, and ensure full respect for the digital rights of all Nigerians; Call the National Human Rights Commission to directly respond to this abuse of office and the illegal use of police to stifle our democracy.”
CITAD stressed the importance of safeguarding civic freedoms, warning that: “We further call on politicians at all levels to respect human rights, uphold democratic norms, ensure accountability, and allow citizens to ask legitimate questions about how public money is spent. Public scrutiny is not an attack, it is a democratic duty.”
The statement added that “Nigeria cannot progress when dissent is criminalised and activists are punished for demanding transparent governance.”
CITAD also urged rights groups and the media to follow the case closely, saying: “We urge the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, and the media to closely monitor this case and ensure justice is served. As an organisation, committed to the defense and protection of digital rights, CITAD will continue to speak out against the growing culture of criminalising legitimate civil responsibility of asking questions about the action of duty-bearers.”
