A journalist in Kebbi State has been detained after releasing a video exposing poor conditions at a government hospital, sparking outrage among activists and renewed calls for press freedom.
The journalist, identified as Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa, was reportedly arrested on the orders of the state government following the circulation of the footage filmed at Kangiwa General Hospital.
The video, which went viral on social media, showed an elderly patient lying on a bare metal bed frame without a mattress.
The footage triggered widespread criticism, with many accusing state officials of targeting the messenger instead of addressing what they described as rot in the healthcare system.
Opposition activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the arrest, describing it as an act of “tyranny.” He accused the state government of suppressing free speech, saying: “A fake comrade who detains journalists for exposing government failures should not be tolerated.”
The Take It Back Movement, a pro-democracy group, also criticised the detention, demanding Kangiwa’s immediate release.
In a statement, the group said: “This is sheer tyranny. Instead of fixing hospitals, Kebbi authorities are arresting journalists.”
On social media, the hashtag #FreeHassanKangiwaNow trended as Nigerians reshared the video and condemned the state government’s action. One user wrote: “Rather than fixing the hospital, you arrest the journalist exposing the truth.”
As of Wednesday, neither the state government nor the police in Birnin Kebbi had issued an official statement regarding Kangiwa’s arrest or possible charges.
Rights groups have since been tagged in online campaigns calling for Kangiwa’s release.
