Kaduna LGA Chairman Accused of Using Police to Detain Man Over Facebook Post, Residents Allege Abuse of Power

Residents of Kafanchan and Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State have accused the council chairman, Mr. Bege Joseph Gaya, of allegedly using the police to arrest and detain a young man over a Facebook post critical of the handling of Christmas welfare packages.

The man, Julius Shehu Tagwai, was reportedly arrested on January 9 after honouring an invitation to the Zonkwa Police Station around 7pm. Community sources said Tagwai went to the station voluntarily, unaware that instructions had allegedly already been issued for his arrest.

Residents said Tagwai had earlier posted on Facebook expressing disappointment over the alleged non-distribution of Christmas packages reportedly provided by the Kaduna State Government. They maintained that the post was peaceful and constituted an exercise of his constitutional right to free expression.

However, upon arrival at the station, Tagwai was allegedly detained without being informed of any specific offence. Despite interventions from concerned individuals, he was reportedly kept in custody.

Sources further alleged that when Tagwai’s lawyer and younger brother later visited the station, they were informed that he had already been transferred. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was said to have disclosed that the action was taken on the instruction of the complainant, identified as the Zango-Kataf LGA chairman, who allegedly ordered Tagwai’s transfer to the Kaduna State Police Headquarters.

Tagwai was subsequently moved to the state police headquarters on January 10. His lawyer later claimed that a review of the police file revealed no formal complaint or clearly stated criminal offence against his client.

It was also alleged that Tagwai was denied access to his mobile phone throughout his detention, preventing communication with his family or legal counsel and raising concerns about his safety.

As of the time of filing this report, Tagwai remains in police custody over an unspecified offence, sparking outrage among residents who describe the incident as an abuse of power and an attempt to intimidate critics. Community members also alleged a pattern of similar arrests, citing the recent detention of another young man, Ayuba Black, under comparable circumstances.

Legal and human rights advocates have warned that arresting or detaining a citizen over an opinion, denying access to communication, and holding a person without clear charges may violate Sections 34, 35, and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee dignity of person, personal liberty, and freedom of expression.

Residents have called on the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and other relevant bodies to urgently investigate the matter.

Efforts to reach the Zango-Kataf LGA chairman and the Kaduna State Police Command for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.