The Citizens’ Coalition Against Corruption (CCAC), a non-partisan civil society organisation, has petitioned the Governor of Katsina State, ...
The Citizens’ Coalition Against Corruption (CCAC), a non-partisan civil society organisation, has petitioned the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, over what it describes as the unlawful detention of journalist Zuhair Ali Ibrahim, editor of Leadership Hausa Online, following his report on an alleged ₦30 million fraud involving a local councillor.
In a letter dated September 19, 2025, CCAC expressed deep concern over the arrest and remand of Ibrahim, who was detained after publishing an investigative article implicating Councillor Abubakar Nuhu of Doro Ward in Bindawa Local Government Area.
The report, published on September 7, was based on the account of a Katsina-based businessman, Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’adu, who accused the councillor of betraying his trust and defrauding him of ₦30 million.
According to the petition, Ibrahim made documented efforts to contact the councillor for comment prior to publication—a move the CCAC said reflects professional and ethical journalism. Rather than responding through legal rebuttals or a civil libel suit, Councillor Nuhu reportedly filed a police complaint, which led to the journalist’s arrest in Zaria and subsequent transfer to Katsina, where he was remanded by a magistrate's court.
The CCAC criticised the action, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom in the state and the country at large. The group said it was particularly concerned that the incident portrays Katsina as unfriendly to investigative journalism, especially on matters involving alleged corruption at the grassroots level. It further cautioned that such actions could undermine public trust in Governor Radda’s administration and its stated commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
“We acknowledge that no citizen is above the law, but we must also recognise that the role of the press in exposing corruption should not be criminalised. Journalism is not a crime,” the CCAC stated in the petition signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Yahaya M. Abdullahi.
The group revealed that senior political figures and elders, including the governor’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Alhaji Shafi’u Duwan, had attempted to mediate the issue peacefully. However, the councillor reportedly withdrew from the mediation process and insisted on pursuing legal action.
CCAC urged Governor Radda to use his good offices to secure the immediate release of the journalist, noting that Ibrahim poses no flight risk and has cooperated fully with law enforcement. It also called on the state’s Ministry of Justice to review the matter thoroughly and ensure that the case does not become a tool for suppressing press freedom or intimidating critical voices. Furthermore, the group requested the governor to issue a public statement reaffirming his administration’s support for transparency, whistleblower protection, and responsible journalism.
“The continued detention of Mr Ibrahim sends the wrong signal and could erode the goodwill your administration has built over time,” the petition added.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the Katsina State Government regarding the petition or the status of Mr Ibrahim’s case.
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