IPC Condemns Detention of Kano Journalist for Sharing Critical Content

The International Press Centre (IPC), through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) initiative, has expressed strong disapproval over the detention of Muktar Dahiru, a journalist based in Kano and working with Pyramid FM.

Dahiru’s arrest has raised concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State, where he was detained for allegedly sharing content deemed offensive by the state government.

Reports indicate that Dahiru was arrested by the police on Thursday, 29 August 2024, following a post he made on his Facebook page.

The content, which criticised Kano State government officials, including Governor Abba Yusuf and the reinstated Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, led to his arrest and subsequent detention.

This action has been condemned by the IPC as an abuse of power and a serious infringement on the rights of journalists to express themselves and hold public officials accountable.

Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC, issued a statement on Saturday condemning Dahiru’s arrest and detention.

Arogundade emphasised that the actions of the authorities were not only unjust but also represent a broader issue of governmental overreach in silencing dissenting voices within the media.

“This action is highly condemnable as it constitutes a despicable abuse of power,” Arogundade said in his statement.

He criticised the authorities for detaining Dahiru without allowing him the opportunity to post bail, arguing that the journalist appeared to be punished without a proper trial.

“As it is, it seems he is being punished without proper trial,” Arogundade added, stressing the importance of adhering to legal procedures and protecting the rights of journalists.

The incident involving Dahiru is not an isolated one, as there have been increasing reports of journalists facing intimidation, harassment, and arrests for performing their duties.

The IPC has consistently called for the respect of press freedom and the protection of journalists, particularly in regions where governmental pressure and interference have become common tactics to suppress critical reporting.

Dahiru’s detention has sparked outrage among media practitioners and human rights advocates, who view the arrest as part of a worrying trend where state authorities use their power to stifle freedom of expression.

The detention of journalists for sharing opinions or information that challenges the status quo undermines democratic principles and threatens the role of the media as a watchdog in society.

The IPC has urged the Kano State government and security agencies to release Dahiru immediately and unconditionally. The Centre also called for a review of policies and practices that allow for such violations of journalists’ rights.

Arogundade highlighted the need for legal reforms that safeguard the press against arbitrary arrests and detentions, advocating for a media environment that respects the rule of law and the fundamental rights of journalists.

“The media plays a critical role in democracy, serving as a check on power and a platform for public discourse.

When journalists are silenced through unlawful detentions and harassment, it sends a chilling message that discourages free expression and hinders the public’s right to information,” Arogundade stated.

Dahiru’s case has drawn attention to the broader issues of press freedom in Nigeria, where journalists often operate under difficult conditions.

The country has a history of incidents where journalists have been harassed, threatened, or detained for their work, despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.

The IPC’s condemnation of Dahiru’s detention underscores the urgent need for Nigerian authorities to respect international standards on the protection of journalists and uphold the country’s own legal commitments to press freedom.

The IPC has also called on the international community, media organisations, and civil society groups to join in advocating for Dahiru’s release and to pressure the Nigerian government to create a safer environment for journalists.

By ensuring that journalists can work without fear of retribution, Nigeria can reinforce its commitment to democratic values and the rule of law.

In the meantime, the IPC and other advocacy groups continue to monitor Dahiru’s case closely, urging for immediate intervention to secure his release and prevent further violations of journalists’ rights in Nigeria.

The detention of Muktar Dahiru is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the media and the need for continuous efforts to protect freedom of expression in all its forms.