Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arbitrary arrest and detention of Kano-based journalist, Ibrahim Dan’uwa Rano, by the police at the Zonal Police Headquarters over what it described as “bizarre and outrageous” allegations of defamation of character.
In a statement, the human rights organization said arresting a journalist for exercising constitutionally guaranteed rights is unlawful and represents a growing pattern of police misuse to intimidate independent media voices.
“The unlawful arrest of Ibrahim Dan’uwa Rano simply for doing his job is part of an ongoing campaign to instill fear and curb press freedom,” Amnesty International stated.
The group criticized the police claim that Rano was “operating an online television station without being licensed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC),” describing it as a desperate and illegitimate attempt to silence critical voices through abuse of power.
“It is perfectly within his right to use an online platform to share his views and opinions with wider audiences,” the organization added, stressing that the action poses a serious threat to media freedom and the public’s right to information.
Amnesty International called for the immediate and unconditional release of Ibrahim Dan’uwa Rano and urged authorities to allow journalists to work freely, safely, and without fear of harassment, intimidation, or reprisals.
