By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has strongly criticised the arrest of two young men in Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State for allegedly criticising the council chairman on Facebook.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, the organisation described the incident as a violation of citizens’ digital rights and freedom of expression as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
CITAD identified the arrested youths as Murtala Garba Doka and Shamsu Safiyanu Lambu, who were picked up on Monday reportedly on the orders of the Tofa Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Yakubu Addis. Their offence, according to the group, was a Facebook post faulting the chairman for allegedly abandoning the Lambu–Banki–Yarimawa–Jakata road project, said to be worth ₦240 million and approved by the state government.
The statement said the two were first held at the Tofa Divisional Police Station before being transferred to the Kano State Police Command Headquarters in Bompai for further questioning.
CITAD warned that the arrest reflects a growing trend of using state power to silence citizens who express dissent or hold leaders accountable.
“Detaining citizens for sharing opinions on governance issues, particularly online, represents a gross abuse of their digital rights and fundamental freedoms,” the statement read.
The group reminded public officials that Section 39 of the Constitution protects every Nigerian’s right to freedom of expression, stressing that no authority should undermine that provision.
CITAD demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the two young men and cautioned the police against being used as instruments of political repression.
“The police must not be reduced to tools of intimidation. Leaders must learn to embrace criticism as a normal part of democratic accountability,” it added.
The organisation further urged Nigerians, especially social media users, to continue engaging responsibly in public discussions that promote transparency and good governance.
“We remain committed to defending a free and open internet where citizens can speak without fear of harassment or persecution,” CITAD stated.