January 10, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | News
Residents of Kafanchan and Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State have raised serious concerns over an alleged abuse of power after the council chairman, Mr. Bege Joseph Gaya, was accused of using the police to arrest and detain a young man over a Facebook post critical of local government activities.
The man, identified as Julius Shehu Tagwai, was reportedly arrested on January 9, 2026, after honouring an invitation to the Zonkwa Police Station at about 7:00pm. Community sources said Tagwai went to the station voluntarily, unaware that instructions had allegedly already been issued for his arrest.
According to residents, Tagwai had earlier posted on Facebook expressing disappointment over the alleged failure to distribute Christmas welfare packages reportedly provided by the Kaduna State Government for residents of the local council. Locals insist the post was peaceful and amounted to the exercise of his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
However, upon arrival at the police station, Tagwai was allegedly taken into custody and detained without being informed of any specific offence. Despite repeated phone calls and interventions by concerned individuals, he was reportedly kept in detention.
The situation reportedly escalated when Tagwai’s lawyer, accompanied by his younger brother, arrived at the Zonkwa Police Station, only to be informed that he had already been transferred out of the division.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Zonkwa was said to have disclosed that he acted on the instruction of the complainant, identified as the Zango-Kataf Local Government Chairman, Mr. Bege Gaya, who allegedly directed that Tagwai be transferred to the Kaduna State Police Headquarters.
Tagwai was subsequently moved to the state police headquarters in Kaduna on January 10. His legal representative later alleged that upon reviewing the case file, there was no formal written complaint or statement establishing any recognisable criminal offence against his client.
“We were shocked to discover that there was no clear allegation or offence stated against him,” the lawyer said, requesting anonymity. “Yet, he was arrested, detained and transferred without due process.”
It was further alleged that Tagwai was denied access to his mobile phone throughout his detention, preventing him from contacting his family, friends or legal counsel. His relatives were reportedly unaware of his whereabouts for several hours, heightening fears about his safety.
As of the time of filing this report, Tagwai remains in police custody in connection with an unspecified offence. The incident has triggered widespread outrage among residents, who describe it as an attempt to intimidate critics and silence dissent.
Community members also expressed fears that the arrest may not be an isolated case, noting that another young man, Ayuba Black, was reportedly arrested days earlier under similar circumstances.
“This is becoming frightening,” a resident said. “People are now scared to speak out because they fear they could be next.”
Legal and human rights advocates have warned that arresting or detaining a citizen over an opinion, denying access to communication and holding a person without clear charges may violate Sections 34, 35 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee dignity of the person, personal liberty and freedom of expression.
The incident has sparked calls for urgent intervention by the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and other rights bodies to investigate the matter and ensure accountability.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Zango-Kataf Local Government Chairman and the Kaduna State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
— SUNTV Global Channel
