Eko Hot Blog reports that the Kano State Hisbah Corps, a religious police force tasked with enforcing Sharia law, has arrested Jamil Mabai, a journalist working for Trust TV, the television broadcasting arm of Media Trust Group.
Alleged Criticism of Human Rights Violations
According to reports, Mabai’s arrest stems from a social media post where he allegedly criticized alleged human rights violations against youths in the state.
Arrest During Interview Attempt
Confirming his arrest, Mabai revealed that he was detained when he visited the Hisbah’s office to interview the Public Relations Officer (PRO) regarding a DJ who was shot by Hisbah officials last week.
“Unknown to me, it was a setup,” Mabai wrote on X. “Hisbah officers approached me, claiming they were instructed to detain me.
Despite explaining that I was a journalist there for an interview, they insisted and confiscated my phone before holding me in a cell.”
Kano Hisbah Officers
Commandant’s Threat and Release
Mabai was eventually brought before the commandant’s office, where he was threatened for allegedly “fighting with religion.” After an hour, he was released, but the incident raised serious concerns about press freedom.
“I informed them that detaining a journalist on their premises without a reason or opportunity to provide a statement is a clear violation of press freedom,” Mabai stated.
Reporting on Insecurity and Human Rights
Naija News understands that Mabai is known for reporting on insecurity in the northern region and stories infringing on the human rights of citizens, who must receive justice as stipulated in the Constitution.
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