The Gombe State chapter of the Take It Back Movement has condemned the arrest of a lecturer at the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, identified as Ahmad, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.

In a statement signed on Monday by the state coordinator, Thomas Umar, the group described the arrest as unlawful and a direct attack on academic freedom and freedom of expression.

PUNCH Online had reported that Ahmad was arrested in Bauchi State over comments he allegedly made criticising the son of the Bauchi State Governor.

TIB expressed deep concern that the lecturer’s arrest reflects a growing intolerance for dissent and a disregard for the constitutional rights of citizens, particularly those within academic institutions.

The movement said such actions undermine democracy and threaten the independence of intellectual discourse.

“Take-It-Back demands immediate release, a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his arrest, and stronger safeguards to protect the rights of academics and ordinary citizens to express themselves freely and without fear,” the group stated.

It urged the Bauchi State Government and relevant security agencies to uphold the rule of law and demonstrate respect for the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

“Freedom of expression is not a privilege; it is a right.

“Silencing voices through arbitrary arrests must not be tolerated in any democratic society,” Umar stated. (The PUNCH)