The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the arrest and detention of Kano-based journalist and online broadcaster, Ibrahim Ishaq, popularly known as Dan Uwa Rano, over alleged defamation.
Ishaq’s arrest has sparked public outrage, with several journalists and rights groups condemning what they described as an attack on press freedom. Reports indicate that he was picked up on Saturday without an arrest warrant.
According to close associates, the journalist was taken into custody while working in his office and immediately transferred to the zonal police command in Kano for questioning over comments made during a programme on his online platform, Imalu.
Police authorities said the arrest followed a petition filed by Abdullahi Rogo, Director-General of Protocol at the Kano State Government House. Rogo is reportedly under investigation by both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for alleged involvement in a ₦6.5 billion money laundering case.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Bashir Muhammad, confirmed that the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) in charge of Zone 1, Ahmed Garba, ordered Ishaq’s invitation for questioning.
“After a thorough investigation, if found wanting, he will be charged to court,” the statement read in part.
The police further cautioned journalists to ensure balance and verification in their reports, urging them to liaise with the Zonal Public Relations Unit before publishing sensitive information. AIG Garba also warned against media interference in ongoing investigations, insisting that “the law should be allowed to take its course.”
However, the statement did not address concerns raised about the legality of Ishaq’s detention or the alleged absence of an arrest warrant.
Meanwhile, several press freedom advocates and civil society organisations have condemned the arrest, calling for his immediate release. They warned that the incident reflects a growing trend of intimidation and harassment of journalists across the country.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other media rights groups have urged the police to respect due process and uphold constitutional guarantees for freedom of expression and the press.
