The Citizens’ Coalition Against Corruption (CCAC), a non-partisan civil society organisation, has petitioned Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State over the detention of journalist Zuhair Ali Ibrahim, editor of Leadership Hausa Online, following his investigative report on alleged fraud involving a local councillor.
In a letter dated 19th September 2025, signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Yahaya M. Abdullahi, the coalition described Ibrahim’s remand as an “unjust” attempt to criminalise journalism and silence critical voices.
According to the petition, Ibrahim was arrested in Zaria and transported to Katsina after publishing a report on September 7 alleging that Councillor Abubakar Nuhu of Doro Ward, Bindawa Local Government Area, defrauded a businessman, Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’adu, of ₦30 million.
The CCAC stated that Ibrahim had contacted the councillor for comments before publishing, in line with journalistic ethics, but instead of issuing a rebuttal or pursuing a civil libel case, Nuhu petitioned the police, leading to the journalist’s arrest and detention.
The group noted that efforts at an amicable settlement by Katsina elders, including Governor Radda’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Alhaji Shafi’u Duwan, were abandoned after the councillor withdrew from mediation and opted for legal escalation.
“The continued detention of Mr. Ibrahim sets a dangerous precedent that criminalises journalism, undermines freedom of the press, and risks portraying Katsina State as hostile to investigative reporting,” the petition read.
The coalition urged Governor Radda to intervene by ensuring Ibrahim’s immediate release, directing the Ministry of Justice to review the case, and issuing a statement reaffirming his administration’s commitment to press freedom, accountability, and good governance.
It added that while no individual is above the law, “journalism is not a crime,” and the proper channel for redress remains a civil action, not police harassment of journalists.
The CCAC further expressed readiness to collaborate with the government to promote transparency and accountability but warned that Ibrahim’s continued detention could erode public confidence in the administration.
