The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the immediate release of Nasarawa activist Abdulkarim Allanana, popularly known as Oscar Keana.
The group warned against the alleged use of the criminal justice system to silence critics of government.
Keana was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) before the Federal High Court in Lafia on two counts bordering on alleged false information against Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule.
The court remanded him and adjourned the case until November 26 for hearing of his bail application.
HURIWA said it was disturbed by reports that Keana had been transferred from the Lafia Custodial Centre to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Nasarawa.
In a statement on Wednesday, its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, questioned the reason for the transfer.
The group stressed that Keana had not been convicted of any offence.
HURIWA was also concerned by reports that additional charges could be brought against the activist.
The organisation said it had not independently verified the reported plan for fresh charges.
It warned, however, that if additional charges were being contemplated merely to frustrate Keana’s release or prolong his detention, such a move would amount to an abuse of the criminal justice process.
“The government must not turn the criminal justice system into a conveyor belt for keeping a critic behind bars,” HURIWA said.
The group insisted that public office holders must tolerate criticism, arguing that a governor was not a monarch and that criticism should not automatically be treated as criminality.
HURIWA urged the prosecution to present its evidence before the court if Keana committed an offence.
It also warned against turning detention into punishment before conviction.
“The presumption of innocence must mean something in Nigeria,” the group said.
It urged the judiciary to protect Keana’s right to fair hearing and personal liberty.
HURIWA also called on Governor Sule, the DSS and the Nigerian Correctional Service to ensure that the activist was not subjected to abuse of state power.
The group demanded Keana’s release on lawful bail conditions pending the determination of his case.
“Let the court decide his case. Let democracy breathe,” HURIWA said.
Abdulkarim Allanana
