A journalist based in Kano, Nigeria, Ibrahim Dan’uwa Rano, has been detained by the police at the Zonal Police Headquarters in Kano. The arrest follows a petition filed by Abdullahi Rogo, the director-general of a government agency, who accused the journalist of defamation of character. Rogo is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over a N6.5 billion scandal.

According to sources, Rano was taken into custody while working in his office without being presented with an arrest warrant. He was immediately taken to the zonal police command for questioning. The police are investigating Rano for alleged defamation and operating an online television station without a license from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). However, Rano has argued that he does not require an NBC license to operate a website or run online programs.

Rano had previously aired a program called “Imalu,” in which he made comments that were perceived as defamatory towards Rogo. Although Rano did not mention Rogo’s name or that of his principal, the police are insisting that he produce the fictional character “Imalu” before they will release him. The zonal police command has not commented on the arrest and detention.

The detention of Rano has raised concerns about the freedom of the press in Nigeria. As a journalist, Rano has the right to report on matters of public interest, including allegations of corruption. The fact that he is being detained without a warrant and is being forced to produce a fictional character raises questions about the motives behind his arrest. The investigation into Rogo’s alleged corruption and the detention of Rano are ongoing, and it remains to be seen how these cases will unfold.