By Ozumi Abdul
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has drawn the attention of the Nigerian authority and other stakeholders to what it described as the ‘harassment of citizens online’.
The organization disclose this on Wednesday during a press conference organized in Kano state.
While speaking,the Program Officer Digital Rights Ali Sabo noted that these harassment of citizen online are usually perpetuated without resort to due process, adding that the action is negating the principles of democracy in the country, as well as absolutely abusing human rights according to the 1999 Nigerian constitution as amended.
He recalled that the organization held similar conference last month which called on the government to assent to Digital rights Bill in the country to pave way for digital development and guaranteed citizens’ rights and protection on the internet.
Sabo ruled that if the Digital Rights Bill is being passed it will ensure guaranteed application of the human rights which apply offline within the digital environment and online, and it will also ensure due process with regard to arrest of anybody deem to have committed any offence.
He added that the press conference to the increased arrest of the Nigerian citizens by security agencies on the order of some state governors.
He particularly pointed out the case of December 11th when he said a particular minor, Umar Garba was arrested by Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State over an alleged defamation of character of the Yobe State Governor, Maimala Buni, adding that the boy was in the police detention for more than two weeks without warrant of arrest or being tried.
