The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest and continued detention of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Zakariyya Kabeer Gwagwarwa, in Katsina State over a social media post.
Zakariyya, a native of Kano serving in Katsina, was reportedly picked up by the police following the order of a federal lawmaker representing Nassarawa Federal Constituency, Kano. His offence, according to reports, was a short Facebook update which read: “Company Pampers must go Sabuwar Nassarawa 2027 Insha Allahu.”
CITAD, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u, on Tuesday, described the post as harmless and a legitimate exercise of the corps member’s freedom of expression.
The group lamented that Zakariyya had been held for several days without access to his family and alleged that he was assaulted while in custody. It also expressed concern that, when arraigned in court, the case was adjourned for two weeks—further compounding his ordeal.
“This is deeply disturbing, especially coming at a time when public confidence in the police is already low following the death of a young imam in custody at Dorayi,” Ya’u said.
CITAD urged the police to desist from acting as enforcers for politicians and to prioritise the protection of citizens’ rights. It also appealed to the judiciary to ensure fairness and resist political interference.
“Silencing young Nigerians for expressing themselves is dangerous for democracy,” the organisation warned, demanding Zakariyya’s immediate release.
