The League of Civil Society Organisations in Kano State has strongly condemned the unlawful arrest, detention, and intimidation of journalist Ibrahim Ishaq Danuwa Rano by the Nigeria Police Force.
The arrest reportedly followed a petition by Abdullahi Rogo, the Director-General of Protocol at the Kano State Government House.
The groups described the journalist’s arrest—allegedly for “defamation” and “unlicensed online broadcasting”—as a gross violation of his fundamental human rights. They said the move reflects a worrying hostility toward journalists in Kano State.
According to the coalition, this is part of a wider trend of shrinking civic and media space, where journalists are harassed for reporting on issues involving public officials. It cited recent restrictions, such as the ban on live political programmes, as evidence of efforts to silence dissent and control public discourse.
‘Attack on journalists weakens democracy’
The statement warned that targeting journalists for performing their duties undermines Nigeria’s democracy. It stressed that the press acts as a bridge between the people and their leaders, ensuring transparency and accountability.
“When journalists are silenced, democracy itself is weakened,” the group said. “Weaponizing the police against the media sends a message that truth-telling has become a punishable offence.”
The coalition added that the police, whose duty is to protect citizens’ rights, must not be used as tools of oppression. It expressed concern that powerful individuals exploit their influence to intimidate journalists and shield themselves from scrutiny, thereby eroding trust in public institutions.
‘Journalists are partners in progress, not enemies’
The League emphasized that journalists are not enemies of the state but partners in nation-building.
They play a key role in informing citizens, amplifying marginalized voices, and promoting transparency in governance.
“To persecute journalists is to silence the conscience of society,” the statement noted. “No government should encourage the belief that public officials are above scrutiny.”
It urged the Nigeria Police Force to stop being used for intimidation and to handle alleged defamation cases through civil courts, not arbitrary arrests or criminal prosecutions.
Call for media protection and accountability
The coalition called on the Kano State Government, civil society groups, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to establish a Media Protection and Rapid Response Framework to safeguard reporters from harassment and rights violations.
Such a framework, it said, should guide security agencies on how to engage with the media professionally and provide channels for journalists to report intimidation.
The League also encouraged public officials to engage constructively with the press rather than viewing it as an adversary. “Mutual respect and dialogue between the media and authorities build public trust and strengthen democracy,” it added.
‘An assault on democracy itself
Reaffirming its commitment to defending democratic values and human rights, the League said it would continue to work with national and international bodies like the NHRC, Media Rights Agenda, and Amnesty International to ensure that journalists in Nigeria operate freely and without fear.
“The unlawful detention of Danuwa Rano is not just an attack on one individual; it is an assault on democracy and the people’s right to know,” the coalition declared. “A society that silences its journalists silences its conscience.”
The statement concluded with a call on the Nigeria Police Force and Kano State Government to take immediate corrective action and reaffirm their commitment to the rule of law and media freedom, stressing that protecting journalists is a democratic obligation, not a privilege.
