The arrest and ongoing detention of Zakariyya Kabeer Gwagwarwa, a member of the NYSC corps, in Katsina State has prompted concern from the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).
A member of the House of Representatives from the Nassarawa Federal Constituency in Kano reportedly ordered the police to pick up Zakariyya, a Kano native currently serving in Katsina.
According to CITAD, he posted a brief message on Facebook that said, “Company Pampers must go Sabuwar Nassarawa 2027 Insha Allahu.” According to the group, the post was harmless and protected his right to free speech.
Zakariyya has been detained for several days without being able to see his family instead of being released. Y. Z. Ya’u, the Executive Director of CITAD, said in a statement on Tuesday that when he was eventually brought to court, the case was postponed for two weeks, which only made his suffering worse.
Concerns were also raised by the group regarding claims that the corps member had been abused while being held. This was characterized as unsettling, particularly in light of the recent passing of a young Dorayi imam who passed away while in the custody of the police.CITAD has called for Zakariyya’s immediate release and urged law enforcement to uphold the rule of law and defend citizens’ rights rather than serving as political pawns. Additionally, it called on the judiciary to uphold justice and withstand political pressure. The group cautioned that it is dangerous for our democracy to silence young people for voicing their opinions.
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