A journalist based in Kano, Nigeria, Ibrahim Dan’uwa Rano, has been detained by 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, and was immediately transferred to the zonal police command for questioning. Police are investigating him for alleged defamation and for operating an online television station without a license from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). Rano, however, maintains that an NBC license is not required to run a website or produce online programmes.
Rano previously aired a programme called “Imalu,” in which he made comments perceived as defamatory toward Rogo. Although he did not mention Rogo’s name or that of his principal, 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 or detention.
The detention of Rano has raised concerns about press freedom in Nigeria. As a journalist, he has the right to report on matters of public interest, including allegations of corruption. Being detained without a warrant and forced to produce a fictional character raises questions about the motives behind his arrest. Both the investigation into Rogo’s alleged corruption and Rano’s detention remain ongoing, and it remains to be seen how these cases will unfold.
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