Yobe governor, Mai Mala Buni, has directed the immediate release of a 16-year-old boy simply identified as Isa who was arrested detained by the police for allegedly insulting him on Facebook.
According to reports, Isa was arrested by the police on December 11 in Nguru area of the state and was transferred to the State Investigation Division of the Nigeria Police Force in Damaturu.
Garba Isa, the father of the teenager had appealed for the release of his son in an interview with Channels Television
“I regret what my son did. I am nobody, an ordinary laundry man, what my son (Umar) did was totally wrong, I appeal to Governor Mai Mala Buni and the police on passionate grounds to forgive my son and release him,” Isa told Channels Television.
Yobe Commissioner of Police, Garba Haruna, confirmed the arrest of the teenager, saying he he will be charged to court when investigation is concluded.
“When we conclude our investigation, he will definitely be charged to court. People are using social media to insult and tarnish people’s character, the society needs to be sanitised,” the police boss said.
“You cannot use social media and begin to post all sorts of things. There is law and order in Nigeria; whoever infringes on someone’s right will be punished,” the police commissioner was quoted as saying.
However, Buni in a statement by his Director-General of Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed in Damaturu on Tuesday said he was not aware of the arrest and detention of the teenager for insulting him.
The Governor added that it was grossly unnecessary to arrest anyone for insulting or criticising him.
“This is the price of leadership and we are fully conscious of it, therefore, l couldn’t have ordered nor condoned the detention of anyone.
“Until someone drew my attention to it, l wasn’t aware of his arrest and detention, l have now directed his immediate release from detention” was quoted as saying.
Buni, however, said that although his administration ran an open government, contributions and criticisms should be constructive and meaningful.
“ Social media users are also reminded to be responsive and responsible, to respect the rights of everyone, political party, religious and socio-cultural differences, most especially as the political campaigns are ongoing,” he said. (NAN)
