Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
Amnesty International has condemned in strong terms the arbitrary arrest and detention of Kano-based journalist Ibrahim Dan’uwa Rano, describing the police action as an outright violation of press freedom and a misuse of power to silence independent voices.
In a statement released on Sunday, the rights organization expressed outrage that Rano, who was detained at the Zonal Police Headquarters, was accused of defamation of character and operating an unlicensed online television station — charges Amnesty International described as “bizarre and outrageous.”
According to the group, the journalist’s arrest simply for performing his professional duties represents “a continuation of the disturbing pattern where security agencies are weaponized to intimidate and silence members of the press.”
“Arresting a person for exercising his constitutionally guaranteed rights as a journalist is unlawful,” Amnesty International said. “The unlawful arrest of Ibrahim Dan’uwa Rano, simply for doing his job, is part of an ongoing pattern in which the police are being misused to target independent media voices to instill fear and curb press freedom.”
The organization further rejected the police’s claim that Rano’s online platform required licensing from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), noting that Nigerians have every right to express their views through digital platforms.
“The claim by the police that Rano was operating an online television station without NBC licensing clearly shows the desperate and illegitimate attempts to shut down critical voices through the abuse of power,” the statement added. “It is perfectly within his right to use an online platform to share his views and opinions with wider audiences.”
Amnesty International warned that such actions by law enforcement agencies represent a direct threat to free media and the public’s right to information, calling for Rano’s immediate and unconditional release.
“The authorities must allow journalists to carry out their work freely, safely, and without fear of harassment, intimidation, or reprisals,” the statement concluded.
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