On Saturday, activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju called for the immediate release of journalist Muktar Dahiru, who was reportedly arrested and detained after a confrontation with the Kano State Governor, Yusuf Abba.
Dahiru’s arrest followed a social media post in which he allegedly insulted Governor Yusuf Abba on Facebook. In response to the arrest, Adeyanju condemned the Kano State Government’s actions, describing them as a clear attempt to suppress dissent and silence critics.
In an interview with DAILY POST, Adeyanju criticized the use of criminal defamation laws to target journalists and stifle free speech. “I strongly condemn the arrest and remand of journalist Muktar Dahiru for exercising his right to free speech on social media,” he said. “The Kano State Government’s actions are a blatant attack on press freedom and a clear attempt to silence critics.”
Adeyanju emphasized the importance of a free press in upholding democratic principles, stating, “A free press is the cornerstone of democracy, and journalists play a vital role in holding those in power accountable. I urge the authorities to immediately release Dahiru and drop all charges against him.”
He further expressed solidarity with Dahiru and other journalists facing persecution, reaffirming his stance against the use of criminal defamation laws to suppress dissenting voices in Nigeria.
