CITAD Condemns Journalist Danuwa Rano’s Arrest, Calls for Immediate Release

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of journalist Ibrahim Ishaq Danuwa Rano, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.

Danuwa, the founder of Danuwa Rano TV, was reportedly arrested by officers from the Zone One Police Command in Kano over an online audio commentary. In the recording, he allegedly accused an unnamed government official of collecting money from individuals seeking access to the state governor.

Although no specific names were mentioned in the audio, it was later reported that the Director-General of Protocol to the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, filed a complaint that triggered the journalist’s arrest.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by CITAD’s Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, the organization described the arrest as a blatant act of intimidation and an abuse of power aimed at silencing dissent and shrinking civic space in Nigeria.

“This action by the police is not only unjust but also a dangerous signal of growing intolerance toward freedom of expression and government accountability,” the statement read.

CITAD emphasized that both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties protect freedom of expression and press freedom—rights which must not be infringed upon under any pretext.

“The police should serve as protectors of rights, not tools of oppression,” the group stated. “Arresting a journalist for doing his job undermines democratic values and discourages investigative reporting, which is essential to transparency and good governance.”

CITAD called on both the Nigeria Police Force and the Kano State Government to immediately and unconditionally release Ibrahim Danuwa Rano and cease the harassment of journalists who hold power to account.

The organization also urged civil society groups, media professionals, and human rights advocates to unite against the increasing suppression of press freedom in the country.

“A society that silences its journalists denies its people access to truth and justice,” Ya’u said.

Reaffirming its commitment to defending digital rights, freedom of expression, and journalist safety, CITAD pledged to continue raising its voice against repression and censorship in Nigeria.