The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has raised alarm over the arrest and continued detention of a NYSC corps member, Zakariyya Kabeer Gwagwarwa, in Katsina State.
Zakariyya, who hails from Kano but is serving in Katsina, was reportedly picked up by the police on the orders of a member of the House of Representatives from Nassarawa Federal Constituency, Kano.
His alleged offense, according to CITAD, was a short Facebook post that read: “Company Pampers must go Sabuwar Nassarawa 2027 Insha Allahu.” The group said the post was harmless and falls under his right to free expression.
“Instead of being released, Zakariyya has spent several days in detention without access to his family. When he was finally taken to court, the case was adjourned for two weeks, which only extended his suffering,” CITAD’s Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u, said in a statement on Tuesday.
The group also expressed worry about reports that the corps member was assaulted while in custody. It described this as disturbing, especially following the recent death of a young imam from Dorayi who died in police custody.
CITAD is demanding Zakariyya’s immediate release and called on the police to respect the law and protect citizens’ rights instead of acting as tools for politicians. It also urged the judiciary to show fairness and resist political pressure.
“Silencing young people for speaking their mind is dangerous for our democracy,” the group warned.
