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The Nigeria Police Force has arrested and detained a Kano-based digital journalist, Ibrahim Ishaq Dan’uwa Rano, following a petition allegedly by Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, the Director General of Protocol to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Daily Trust gathered that Dan’uwa Rano was picked up on Saturday by officers from Zone One Police Headquarters while working at his office in Kano metropolis. Witnesses said the arrest was carried out without the presentation of a warrant.
The journalist is being held over allegations of defamation stemming from a programme titled Imalu aired on his YouTube channel, Dan’uwa TV.
The satirical show reportedly made innuendo-laden references to a “certain DG protocol” accused of collecting bribes in exchange for granting visitors access to the governor.
Although the programme did not mention names, Rogo petitioned the police, claiming the content targeted him.
Dan’uwa Rano confirmed that he was being questioned over the show 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 said.
The Zone One Public Relations Officer, CSP Bashir Muhammad, has confirmed the arrest, saying the journalist was arrested following complaint of character leveled against him.
The PPRO said “The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone One Headquarters, Kano, AIG Ahmed Garba, has directed that the journalist be invited for investigation. After thorough investigation, if found wanting will be charged to court.
“AIG Garba urges media practitioners to ensure balance in their reportage and to liaise with the Public Relations Officer of the Zone before publishing any story. He also implores them to allow the law to take its course and avoid interfering with ongoing investigations,” the police PRO added.
He said the Zonal headquarters is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, while assuring the public that the investigation will be impartial and be made public.
Daily Trust reports that Rogo, the suspected petitioner, is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over an alleged N6.5 billion fraud.
He is accused of siphoning public funds through proxies between November 2023 and February 2025.
