THE Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Ahmed Isa Sakpe, a journalist, who was reportedly arrested by the Niger State Police Command over alleged cyberbullying and related offences.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u, the organisation described the arrest as troubling and reflective of a growing trend where cybercrime provisions are invoked against journalists and activists.
CITAD expressed concern that the arrest may be linked to Sakpe’s investigative reporting and dissenting opinions, warning that the use of security agencies to silence critical voices undermines democratic governance.
The group cited Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom, as well as Nigeria’s obligations under regional and international human rights frameworks.

It also raised concerns about alleged political interference, suggesting that if the arrest was influenced by actors within the Niger State Government, it would constitute an abuse of power. CITAD called for an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the arrest and urged authorities to end the use of cybercrime and defamation laws to target journalists and critics.

The organisation further appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that law enforcement institutions are not weaponised against citizens exercising constitutional rights.

“Democracy thrives on accountability. Journalists and human rights defenders must not be punished for speaking truth to power,” the statement read.