The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has strongly criticised the 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).

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Abiyo Roni, known on X (formerly Twitter) as @AbbaM_Abiyos, was taken into custody shortly after sharing photos of what he described as a controversial “empowerment” initiative. The programme, led by the Chairman of Roni Local Government Area, involved distributing locally made wheelbarrows and water jerrycans to residents.

In a statement released on Friday and signed by its Executive Director, YZ Ya’u, CITAD expressed “deep outrage” over the arrest, describing it as unlawful and a violation of constitutional rights.

According to CITAD, the activist was detained solely for a social media post questioning the accountability and use of public funds in the local government’s empowerment project. The organisation noted that Abiyo’s comments fell squarely within his rights under the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and the right to hold public officials accountable.

“The detention of a citizen for expressing an opinion is a direct assault on fundamental freedoms,” CITAD stated. “The Nigeria Police Force must never be used as a tool to silence critics or intimidate active citizens.”

CITAD issued several demands, calling for immediate intervention from relevant authorities. It urged the Jigawa State Police Command to unconditionally release the activist and called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the alleged misuse of police powers in the case. The group also appealed to the Jigawa State Government and Governor to uphold the rule of law.

Additionally, CITAD called on the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu to rein in the police, safeguard democratic rights, and protect the digital freedoms of Nigerians. It also urged the National Human Rights Commission to take up the case and address what it described as a troubling misuse of law enforcement to suppress civic engagement.

Highlighting the broader implications, CITAD warned that Nigeria cannot advance if dissent is criminalised: “Public scrutiny is not an attack—it is a democratic duty. Activists should not be punished for demanding transparency.”

The organisation also encouraged civil society groups, the media, and human rights bodies to closely monitor the situation. It reaffirmed its commitment to defending digital rights and resisting the growing trend of targeting citizens who question the actions of public officials.