On October 18, 2025, Mr Ibrahim Abubakar Ishaq, a journalist with an online platform, Dan’uwa Rano TV, was arrested by the Zone 1 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Kano State following a petition alleging defamation of character made by Mr Abdullahi Rogo, the Director-General of Protocol to Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, against him.
Reports have it that the police officers stormed Mr Ishaq’s office in Kano and, without presenting any arrest warrant, whisked him away.
It was gathered that the journalist was questioned over his alleged defamation of Mr Rogo and for operating an online television station without obtaining a licence from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). He reportedly clarified that online media platforms are not required by law to obtain an NBC licence. Despite this clarification, however, he was detained in a cell, allegedly on the orders of the embattled Mr Rogo.
In a programme titled “Imalu” aired on his YouTube channel, Dan’uwa TV on September 1, 2025, Mr Ishaq had commented on the corruption case against Mr Rogo, who is standing trial for an alleged N6.5 billion fraud. Mr Rogo is being tried by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged diversion and laundering of N6.5 billion belonging to the Kano State government.
Mr Ishaq is alleged to have said during the programme that allegations of corruption by protocol officers are not new, adding that the officers always demanded bribes from contractors and people who wanted to see the governor. He added that some governors may be unaware of the development, but others may be due to their involvement in fraudulent activities.
The satirical programme reportedly made innuendo-laden references to a “certain DG protocol” accused of collecting bribes in exchange for granting visitors access to the governor. Although the programme did not mention names, Mr Rogo, however, petitioned the police, claiming the content targeted him.
The journalist was released on October 19, following mounting pressure and public outcry.
