The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as harassment o...
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as harassment of its staff by the Jigawa State Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement released today, CITAD said its Programme Officer in Jigawa State, Mustapha Muhammad, has been subjected to repeated phone calls from DSS officials following a March 10 press conference calling for justice for Walida Abdulhadi, a local girl reportedly abducted and repeatedly assaulted. The organisation claims these calls culminated in an informal summons for Muhammad to appear at the DSS office on Friday at 10:00 AM, without any formal written notice or explanation.
Describing the actions as “intimidation” and “unacceptable,” CITAD called on national authorities to intervene, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Director-General of the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, and the National Human Rights Commission. The organisation demanded an immediate halt to harassment, transparent communication in official engagements, and investigations into the conduct of the DSS personnel involved.
CITAD stressed that its staff carry out lawful work protecting vulnerable communities, women, and children, in line with Nigerian law and international human rights standards. The organisation also reiterated its call for justice for Walida Abdulhadi.
Y. Z. Ya’u, Executive Director of CITAD, said the organisation would not be deterred by threats or intimidation. “Attempts to intimidate or threaten our staff will not stop our mission to protect vulnerable children, women, and communities,” the statement read.
Civil society groups and members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and supportive of human rights defenders in Nigeria.
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