The League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano State has expressed concern over the invitation extended by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone One, Kano, to the Publisher of DAILY NIGERIAN, Mr. Jaafar Jaafar, following the directives of the Chief Magistrate Court No.15, Nomansland, Kano.
This invitation is in connection with a complaint of alleged criminal defamation filed by the Director-General of Protocol to the Kano State Governor, Mr. Abdullahi Rogo.
It is pertinent to recall that the issue stems from publications by Mr. Jaafar Jaafar of DAILY NIGERIAN, which exposed the alleged diversion of N6.5bn from the office of the DG Directorate of Protocol, a matter which is already under the investigation of federal anti-graft agencies, namely the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“While we recognize the constitutional duty of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate complaints brought before it, we are compelled to stress that such investigations must be conducted within the boundaries of fairness, justice, and due process. The police should not, under any guise, be used as instruments of political suppression or intimidation against journalists whose constitutional role is to expose corruption and hold leaders accountable.”
CSOs affirm roles of journalists as ‘defenders of truth’
The group argued that Journalists are not only the watchdogs of society but also the voices of the voiceless and defenders of truth.
“As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the press has a sacred mandate enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every citizen, including journalists, the right to freedom of expression, including the right to own, establish, and operate media platforms. Furthermore, Section 22 of the same Constitution expressly mandates the press, radio, television, and other agencies of the mass media to ensure that government remains accountable to the people.”
The statement added that any attempt to muzzle the press through intimidation, harassment, or criminal charges undermines these constitutional guarantees.
“Such actions also cast doubt on the sincerity of governance and weaken the credibility of our democratic institutions,” it added.
“Remember that democracy thrives where press freedom is protected, and citizens are allowed to freely access information without fear. Conversely, democracy withers when journalists are gagged, silenced, or criminalized for performing their legitimate duties.”
CSOs raise concerns of use of state institutions
The League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano State added that it is equally concerned about the increasing trend of deploying state institutions to settle political scores across the country.
The group said this not only erodes public trust in governance but also emboldens corruption, as those in positions of authority may feel immune from accountability.
“We therefore strongly urge the Nigeria Police Force, particularly Zone One Headquarters in Kano, to approach this matter with utmost caution and impartiality. The police must resist political pressure and confine themselves strictly to their professional mandate. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done in the eyes of the public.
The League also calls on the judiciary to exercise restraint in granting orders or directives that could be exploited to silence critical voices. Courts, as citadels of justice, must prioritize the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, which are indispensable to sustaining democracy and the rule of law.
“Finally, we reaffirm our solidarity with the media community in Nigeria, particularly investigative journalists, who continue to expose corruption despite intimidation and threats. The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility, and journalists should be commended, not persecuted, for their contributions.”
“We therefore urge all stakeholders including security agencies, political leaders, civil society, and citizens to work together in safeguarding press freedom, human rights, and democratic governance in Nigeria. The preservation of these values is not negotiable, as they form the foundation of a just, transparent, and accountable society.”
The statement was endorsed by:
1. Comrade Bala Abdullahi Gaduwama – Wuro Development Concerns (WDCN)
2. Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq. – Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN)
3. Mohammed Bello – African Centre for Innovative Research and Development (Afri-CIRD)
4. Abdulkadir Musa Hausawa – Youth Enlightenment Forum
5. Adeniyi Aremu – Civil Society Organization for Conflict Resolution in Nigeria (CS-CRIN)
6. Comrade Fatima A. Ibrahim – United Action for Democracy (UAD), Kano State
7. Umar Ibrahim Umar – War Against Injustice (WAI)
8. Abba Bello Ahmed – Campaign for Democracy (CD), Kano State
9. Comrade Idris Ibrahim Unguwar Gini – Kano Youth Promotion Council
10. Comrade Moh’d Sani Garba – Pay it Forward Initiative
11. Fatima Muhammad – Gender Inclusive and Development Support Initiative, Kano
12. Aminu Sani Muhammad, Esq. – Rule of Law and Justice Advancement Network (ROLJAN)
13. Comrade M. K. Adam – Societal Based Initiative for Rights Peace and Development (SOBIRPED)
14. Buhari Abubakar Usman – Centre for Legal Orientation and Humanitarian Aid (CELOHA)
15. Abdullahi Yahaya, Esq. – Publish What You Pay (PWYP), Kano State
16. Hafiz A. Wali, Esq. – Rise Up Youth Initiative (RUYI)
17. Comrade Auwal Salisu – Centre for Awareness Reorientation and Empowerment (CARE-Africa)
18. Umar Isa Sulaiman, Esq. – Frontier for Gender Advocacy, Accountability & Empowerment Initiative
19. Maryam Garba Usman – Centre for Gender and Social Inclusion (CAGSI)
20. Fatima Chabir Aliyu, Esq. – Community Based Equal Justice Initiative
21. Kano Youth Integrity Forum – Comrade Salisu Ibrahim Sa’eed
22. Centre for Education Health and Entrepreneurship Development (CEHED) Nigeria – Comrade Baraya Garba Hassan
