CITAD Condemns Police Arrest Of Varsity Student For Criticising Niger Governor Bago, Demands Immediate Release

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student of the Department of Agricultural Economy and Extension at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL).

Mokwa was reportedly arrested on the orders of Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, over a Facebook post criticising the governor.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its executive director Y.Z Yau, CITAD described the arrest as an assault on free expression and a violation of the Nigerian constitution.

"The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) strongly condemns the arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student of the Department of Agricultural Economy and Extension at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), reportedly on the orders of the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for allegedly criticising the governor on Facebook," the statement read.

"Abubakar was arrested at his off-campus lodge in Lapai and subsequently transferred to the State Police Command Headquarters in Minna," it added.

According to CITAD, the police justified the arrest on allegations of “cyber bullying and cyberstalking,” but the organization maintained that "it is clear that this is another attempt to criminalise free expression and silence dissenting voices in the state."

Describing the action as unconstitutional, the group said: "CITAD finds this action deeply disturbing and unconstitutional. The arrest of a student for merely expressing his opinion online is a clear violation of Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression and to hold opinions without interference."

The organisation also noted that "this is not an isolated incident," citing previous cases of media repression in Niger State.

"Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Under Governor Bago’s administration, Niger State has witnessed a growing pattern of media repression and intolerance toward criticism," CITAD said.

"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) have faced harassment and assault for performing their duties," the statement added.

CITAD called for immediate actions from relevant authorities, including: "The immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Isah Mokwa."

"The Federal Government, particularly President Bola Tinubu, to call the Nigeria Police Force to order and ensure that security agencies do not continue to serve as instruments of political oppression."

"The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate this case and warn officers against the arbitrary arrest and detention of citizens for expressing their opinions in a democratic society. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to respect the principles of free speech and desist from harassing and intimidating activists, journalists, and media houses. Instead, he should focus on addressing developmental challenges and improving governance in Niger State."

"Freedom of expression is the foundation of democracy. The continued misuse of state power to silence critics and young people undermines democratic governance and civic trust."

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of CITAD’s commitment to protecting digital rights in Nigeria.

"CITAD reaffirms its commitment to defending digital rights, promoting online safety, and ensuring that Nigeria remains a country where citizens can freely express their views without fear of intimidation or persecution."

SaharaReporters earlier reported his arrest for criticising Niger State governor Bago.

Earlier, the legal representative of the affected students activist, Isah Mokwa, Ibrahim Usman Wali, said that the police, in their usual manner, are using administrative delays to keep his client in custody. 

Earlier on Friday, Wali said "amid bureaucratic reasons, Mokwa, a postgraduate student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, remains in custody until tomorrow(today) Saturday, 25 October, as proceedings in his case were adjourned."

Wali in a statement described the delays as a “familiar bureaucratic tactic” that risks prolonging Mokwa’s detention unnecessarily. Speaking on behalf of his client, he said, “We take this opportunity to reaffirm a simple but fundamental truth:

"Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to free expression, including the right to criticise government conduct. Governance is a public trust, and those who hold office must accept public scrutiny as part of democratic accountability.” 

He added, “Attempts to criminalise dissent or silence constructive voices only weaken the social contract between the people and their government.

"We therefore urge the authorities, including the Governor, to respect constitutional freedoms and the civic space that sustains democracy." 

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