Digital Rights at Risk, CITAD Warns Kano Govt

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has criticized the suspension of 22 Kannywood films by the Kano State Censorship Board, saying the decision could infringe on digital rights and limit creative expression.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, CITAD said regulatory bodies have a role in cultural matters but warned against suppressing digital freedoms.

“While we acknowledge the importance of promoting cultural values and maintaining societal ethics, we caution that regulatory actions must not infringe on citizens’ digital rights or suppress creative expression,” Ya’u said.

CITAD stated that the internet has become a key platform for young people to access knowledge and express themselves. “In an age where the internet is a powerful tool for education, entertainment, and economic empowerment, young people increasingly embrace digital platforms to access diverse content,” the statement read.

Ya’u said overregulation could drive creators away. “Attempting to regulate digital content without careful consideration may not only restrict creative freedom but also push local creators towards alternative platforms and film industries that may lack the cultural safeguards the state aims to uphold,” he noted.

He added that such a move could lead to exposure to content that contradicts the very values the Board claims to protect.

CITAD mentioned the arrest of Buhari Abba, a reporter with Kano Times, as part of a wider pattern of digital rights violations. “Such incidents not only undermine public trust but also threaten the fundamental rights of citizens as guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution,” Ya’u said.

He also argued that attempts to restrict online content are unlikely to succeed. “The internet is a borderless space, a global village where information and content flow freely across boundaries. It is impractical for any state to isolate itself in this interconnected world,” Ya’u warned.

CITAD called on the Kano State Government to respect the rights of citizens and urged the Censorship Board to work with filmmakers and digital rights advocates to find more balanced approaches.

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