Blogger Arrested For Criticising LG Chairman On Facebook
The Chairman of Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Akham Jalo, has ordered the arrest and detention of Innocent Godiya, a young blogger, for allegedly criticising him in a Facebook post.
According to SaharaReporters, the incident has triggered outrage among human rights defenders, who say the arrest represents a dangerous attempt to shrink civic space and silence dissenting voices in Nigeria’s democratic process.
For instance, Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Godiya.
“Innocent Godiya did not commit any crime and his arrest shows clear abuse of power. It is perfectly within his right to criticize any government official — no matter his position or status,” the organisation said.
“The Facebook post for which Innocent Godiya is being subjected to these atrocities is within the frame of fair comment and criticism. Plans to put him through a sham trial are pure intimidation and harassment of dissenting voices.”
Also, in a statement, Suleiman A. Abubakar, a human rights activist and concerned citizen, said the arrest amounts to harassment and intimidation aimed at stifling free speech.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force, Adamawa State Command, human rights defenders, civil society organisations, journalists, and the youth of Adamawa State to press for Godiya’s unconditional release and to hold those responsible to account.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
