A journalist in Kebbi State has been detained after releasing a video showing the situation of things at a local hospital, drawing criticism from activists and renewed calls for press freedom.

Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa was arrested on the orders of the State Governor, Nasir Idris, following the circulation of a footage filmed at Kangiwa General Hospital. The clip showed an elderly patient lying on a bare metal bed frame without a mattress, according to multiple reports.

The video spread quickly across social media, prompting strong reactions. Users accused state officials of punishing the messenger instead of addressing what they said was neglect in the public health system.

Opposition activist Omoyele Sowore denounced the arrest, calling it an act of “tyranny” by the governor whom he described as a “fake comrade” for suppressing exposure of government failings. He urged Nigerians to demand Kangiwa’s release.

The Take It Back Movement, a pro-democracy group, also condemned the detention.

“Kebbi Gov. Nasir Idris has thrown journalist Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa in detention for exposing the rot in govt hospitals. This is sheer tyranny! We demand Hassan’s immediate release,” the group said in a statement.

On social media, the hashtag #FreeHassanKangiwaNow trended as users reshared the video and criticized Kebbi authorities. One commenter wrote: “Instead of fixing the horrible state of the hospital you decided to arrest a journalist doing his job of exposing the rot in the society.”

State officials have not issued a statement on the matter, and police in Birnin Kebbi declined to confirm details of Kangiwa’s arrest or possible charges.

Governor Idris, a former union leader who took office in 2023, has previously been accused of detaining critics over online posts.

Rights groups have been tagged in online campaigns for Kangiwa’s release. (The Guardian)

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