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Nigerian bloggers are canvassing the creation of a union that could defend the interests of its members, after the arrests of several bloggers and journalists by the government.

Federal and state agents have arrested more than a dozen bloggers and journalists deemed critical by political authorities in the last three months.

The latest arrest involved a blogger, Jamil Mabai, arrested in Kaduna more than two weeks ago.

Mr. Mabai’s offence was posting a report critical of Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State.

A few days after the arrest, Mr. Mabai was arraigned before a Magistrate court in the state, which after adjourning the case to September 29, later said it had no jurisdiction on the matter.

Yet, the court dismissed his application for bail.

The blogger will remain at the Katsina Central Prison where he is held, till at least October 31 when the state high court is scheduled to hear a fresh application for his bail.

More bloggers have been arrested in Nigeria in the last one year. Still, many cases of arrest or harassment go unreported, says Mercy Abang, a blogger.

Ms. Abang said this is because, unlike other professionals, bloggers have no association to defend their interests.

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