CITAD Condemns Arrest of Kwara Blogger, Accuses Politicians of Weaponizing Police
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned what it describes as the increasing weaponization of the Nigeria Police Force by politicians, following the arrest of Kwara-based blogger, Ajala Adeshina Shuaib, popularly known as Manjala, over alleged defamation.
Shuaib was reportedly arrested after a petition filed by Tunji Buhari Sulyman, a legislative aide to Senator Saliu Mustapha. CITAD, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, described the arrest as a “blatant misuse of law enforcement powers” and a direct attack on constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression.
The organisation expressed concern that security agencies are being deployed to settle personal or political scores rather than focus on their core responsibilities. “The Nigeria Police Force is not a private militia for politicians,” the statement read. “Its constitutional mandate is to protect lives and property, not intimidate citizens or pursue political vendettas.”
CITAD lamented that while insecurity continues to plague communities nationwide, police resources are being diverted to arrest a blogger over a social media post. It warned that such arbitrary actions erode public trust in institutions, discourage civic participation, and endanger democratic values.
The organisation also highlighted the chilling effect of such arrests on journalists, digital rights advocates, online creators, and human rights defenders, stressing that democracy cannot thrive where dissenting voices are criminalized.
CITAD issued a series of demands to the Nigeria Police Force, including the immediate and unconditional release of Shuaib, an end to the misuse of police for political purposes, and a renewed focus on combating insecurity. It also urged the police to advise the petitioner, Tunji Buhari Sulyman, to seek legal redress in court if he feels defamed, rather than resort to “self-help through illegal use of the police.”
The organisation further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action to halt the rising abuse of security agencies. It urged the President to direct the Inspector General of Police to enforce clear guidelines against the arrest of citizens over defamation or political disagreements, and to ensure that Nigeria’s civic and digital spaces remain protected.
CITAD reaffirmed its commitment to defending freedom of expression and supporting journalists, activists, and digital creators who hold public officials accountable.
The statement concluded: “We will not allow intimidation to silence advocacy for a safer, freer, and more democratic Nigeria.”
