NUJ writes Kano governor, seeks release of two journalists

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the arrests of two journalists by the police in Kano state. 

A letter dated March 27, 2025, by Achike Chude, the national secretary of the union, and to Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano state, said that the journalists were arrested “on the order of Ibrahim Waiya, the commissioner of information”.

The union said the police arrested Buhari Abba, an online publisher, and Ismail Auwal, a freelance journalist “over a report deemed critical to the commissioner”. 

”We can assure your excellency that the journalists did not contravene any law that they could be charged with except that they expressed an opinion that someone did not agree with,” the letter reads. 

“For quite some time now, since your inauguration as governor of the ancient city of Kano, the relationship between the media and the state government has been quite cordial and mutually respectful. We hope that it stays this way and be improved upon. 

“Indeed, the conferment of the patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on your Excellency was meant to foster and promote the relationship between your Excellency’s government and the Nigerian Union of Journalists.

“Your excellency is aware of the great responsibility we have as media practitioners to fulfill our constitutional role to hold government and government officials accountable.

”We will continue to do that with respect and maturity and most importantly give all sides fair hearing and if possible constructively engage with the state government in its mission making the state better for all.

“May your excellency continue to give us his hand in fellowship even as we ask your excellency to prevail on your officials to show expected respect for journalists.”