The Nigeria Police Force has arrested and detained a Kano-based journalist, Ibrahim Ishaq Dan’uwa Rano, following a petition allegedly filed by Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, the Director-General of Protocol to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Dan’uwa Rano was arrested on Saturday by officers from Zone One Police Headquarters while at his office in Kano metropolis. Witnesses claimed the arrest was carried out without a warrant.
The journalist’s detention is due to allegations of defamation stemming from a satirical programme titled Imalu on his YouTube channel, Dan’uwa TV.
The show reportedly made indirect references to a “certain DG Protocol” accused of collecting bribes in exchange for granting visitors access to the governor.
Although no names were mentioned, Rogo reportedly petitioned the police, claiming the show targeted him.
Dan’uwa Rano confirmed he was being interrogated over the programme and for allegedly operating an unlicensed online television station.
“The police are saying we don’t have an NBC licence and that our company is not registered,” he stated.
Confirming the arrest, the Zone One Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Bashir Muhammad, said the journalist was invited for questioning following a complaint of defamation.
“The AIG Zone One, Ahmed Garba, directed that the journalist be invited for investigation. After a thorough probe, if found wanting, he will be charged to court,” Muhammad said.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
