PRESS FREEDOM UNDER ATTACK: Katsina Journalist Thrown in Prison Over Explosive Report on Councillor’s ₦30 Million Debt Scandal

A storm of outrage is brewing in Katsina State as a young journalist, Zuhair Ali Ibraheem, editor of Albishir Hausa Newspaper, has been arrested and remanded in prison for exposing an alleged ₦30 million debt scandal involving a local councillor, Hon. Nuhu Ali of Doro Ward, Bindawa LGA.

The arrest, confirmed by the journalist’s family, has been described as a brazen abuse of power and an attempt to gag the free press. According to his brother, Zuhair was trailed and picked up by police operatives in Zaria, Kaduna State, last Monday, reportedly acting on the orders of Councillor Nuhu.

The controversial arrest followed Zuhair’s investigative story detailing how the councillor allegedly borrowed ₦30 million from businessman Alhaji Ibrahim Bindawa, under the guise of a “special assignment” linked to Governor Dikko Radda. Instead of repaying the loan, Nuhu was accused of issuing threats, allegedly boasting that his political office shielded him from accountability.

Despite reaching out to the councillor for comment before publishing, Zuhair received no response. Yet, the police swiftly acted on a petition filed by the councillor, leading to the journalist’s detention.

On Thursday, a Katsina Magistrate Court II ordered Zuhair’s remand in custody after prosecutors filed charges based on the petition. The move has sparked public outrage, with rights groups and activists condemning what they describe as an orchestrated crackdown on truth-telling.

“This is nothing short of an attempt to silence the press and protect corruption. Politicians are weaponising the police and courts to muzzle journalists who expose their shady dealings,” a local activist told SaharaReporters.

Sources disclosed that high-profile figures, including Governor Radda’s political adviser Alhaji Shafi’i Duwan, House of Representatives member Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim Jargaba, and public affairs analyst Malam Danjuma Katsina, had earlier tried to broker peace between the councillor and the journalist. While a truce was initially reached, the councillor reportedly backed out and insisted on pressing charges.

Relatives of the detained journalist are calling for his immediate release, warning that the case could set a dangerous precedent for journalism in northern Nigeria.

“This case is a test of democracy and press freedom in Katsina. If politicians succeed in jailing journalists for exposing corruption, it means the people are left in darkness while those in power loot without consequence,” a civil society leader warned.

The arrest of Zuhair Ali Ibraheem is already sending shockwaves across media and civic spaces, reigniting debates about press freedom, accountability, and abuse of power in Nigeria’s fragile democracy.