I had a telephone conversation with one of Mr. Mabai’s relative who recounted the despicable nature of the prosecutor and the Nigerian police officers. They arraigned him for an outdated case and anticipate to prosecute him base on that and not his allegation against the Executive Governor of Katsina State of allegedly purchasing 3000 conffins . They denied him bail and adjourned the case to 29th of September, 2016. Mr. Mabai and two others arraigned with him were taken to the main prison in Katsina town. “They have taken them to the Prison till 29th of September, 2016 when they would be arraigned before a State High Court,” he said. He added that the Mr. Mabai’s family has gotten in touch with 3 lawyers “who is currently working on getting them out on bail.” Mr. Mabai’s arrest was ordered by the Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina; a claim the latter’s spokesperson, Abdu Labaran, denied. That’s why we are calling on the general public to join us and plead with the Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari to release them. GOING AFTER BLOGGERS Also arraigned alongside Mr. Mabai are Bashir Dauda and Umar Faruq. They were all accused of writing about the story with the intent to cause civil disturbance and expose Mr. Masari to public ridicule. Their arrest and arraignment is coming on the heels of the arrest and detention two weeks ago of another blogger, Emenike Iroegbu, on the orders of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State. Mr. Iroegbu who publishes Abia Facts Newspaper was accused of defaming Mr. Ikpeazu. He allegedly published a story accusing the governor of burying a 9-year-old boy in the government House, Umuahia. In the same vein, another blogger, Abubakar Usman, was recently arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Comkission, EFCC, who accused him of “cyber stalking” Mr. Usman was released after much public condemnation. –Sani Tukur OUR ENTREATY He is on trial and at risk of going to jail, if convicted. I strongly urge the authorities to: • Drop all charges against Mr. Mabai, others and release them immediately and unconditionally as he is a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression; • Provide Mr. Mabai and others with any medical attention they may require, pending their release. Thank You