The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub, strongly condemns the remand of Kano-based journalist Mr Muktar Dahiru of Pyramid FM in prison. Dahiru was unjustly arrested, detained, hastily charged in court, and subsequently confined for sharing content deemed offensive by the Kano State government.
According to information gathered by the SPJ-hub, Mr. Dahiru was arrested by the Police on Thursday, August 29, 2024, due to a series of posts shared on his Facebook page.
Reports reaching the SPJ-hub indicate that Mr. Dahiru has been remanded in prison for sharing content critical of state government officials, including Governor Abba Yusuf and the reinstated emir, Lamido Sanusi.
The reports further reveal that Mr. Dahiru was secretly charged before Magistrate Court 24 at Gyadi Gyadi, Court Road, with criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, and intentional insult, charges which the government claims violate sections 97, 391, and 115 of the Penal Code Law.
In response, IPC Executive Director Mr. Lanre Arogundade stated, “This action is highly condemnable as it constitutes a despicable abuse of power.” Mr. Arogundade emphasized that the journalist should have been granted bail immediately and added, “As it is, it seems he’s being punished without proper trial.”
SGD:
Melody Akinjiyan
Press Freedom Officer, IPC
