The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has condemned the intimidation, harassment, and detention of two Kano-based journalists by the Kano State Police Command on the alleged orders of Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Waiya.
The journalists, Buhari Abba Rano, Online Editor of Kano Times, and Isma’il Auwa, a freelance journalist, were reportedly targeted over an opinion article published by Kano Times.
Speaking on his ordeal, Buhari Rano revealed that he was detained for three hours at the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID) of the Kano Police Command, where his phone was seized before being asked to return the following day.
“I honored their invitation and was detained for three hours. This intimidation is linked to an article I didn’t even author,” Rano stated.
Reacting to the development, IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, strongly condemned the misuse of state security forces to suppress press freedom, calling it a blatant attack on democracy.
“This action is unacceptable. The Police and the Kano State Government must uphold press freedom and stop using security agencies to intimidate journalists.”
The SPJ-Hub has demanded an end to the harassment of Buhari Rano and Isma’il Auwa, urging the Kano State Commissioner of Police to ensure their safety and uphold their constitutional rights.
Signed By Melody Akinjiyan
Press Freedom Officer, SPJ-Hub
melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org
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