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The arrest of two young men in Kano State’s Tofa Local Government Area for allegedly criticizing the local council chairman on Facebook has been denounced by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).

The group said in a statement signed on Wednesday by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, that the arrest violated the Nigerian Constitution’s guarantees of citizens’ freedom of expression and digital rights.

According to CITAD, the two youths Murtala Garba Doka and Shamsu Safiyanu Lambu were arrested on Monday on the orders of the Tofa Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Yakubu Addis, after they made a Facebook post criticizing him for allegedly abandoning the Lambu–Banki–Yarimawa–Jakata road project, said to have been approved by the state government at a cost of ₦240 million.

The statement said the couple were originally detained at the Tofa Divisional Police Station before being moved to the Kano State Police Command Headquarters, Bompai, for further investigation.

CITAD stated that such measures are creating a dangerous pattern aimed at silencing citizens who speak out against weak administration.

“Arresting citizens for expressing their opinions on public issues, especially through social media, is a gross violation of their digital rights and fundamental freedoms,” the statement read.

“Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of expression, and no public official should undermine that.”

The organization called for the immediate and unconditional release of the two imprisoned youths and encouraged the police not to allow themselves to be used for political objectives.

“The police must not be turned into a tool for intimidation or political persecution. Public officials must learn to accept criticism as an essential part of democracy and accountability.”

The group also encouraged social media users to continue to share their thoughts properly while promoting transparency and good governance.

“We will continue to stand for a safe and open internet space where citizens can participate freely without fear of harassment.”

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