Amnesty International has raised alarm over what it describes as a disturbing pattern of arrests, detentions, and harassment of individuals who have criticized Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The organization says the growing repression is creating a toxic climate of fear and eroding fundamental rights to freedom of expression.
In a statement, Amnesty International noted that in nearly all documented cases, victims were either arrested outright or “invited” by the Department of State Services (DSS), a tactic the group says is increasingly being used to silence dissent.
Documented Cases of Intimidation
Amnesty International outlined several recent incidents that highlight what it calls abuse of power and manipulation of law enforcement.
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— Abba Ibrahim Hussain, a law student at Northwest University, was abducted by armed DSS personnel at his Kano residence after criticizing the governor. He remains in detention and risks missing ongoing examinations.
– Aminu Warkal, a social media influencer, was detained for five hours over allegations of “cyberbullying the governor.”
– Samir Hanga was summoned under the guise of an “invitation” by the DSS after posting critical commentary. He was released only after questioning aimed at silencing him.
– Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda was arrested two weeks ago and reportedly coerced into withdrawing his criticism of Governor Yusuf.
– Saifullahi Abubakar was unlawfully detained for producing a TikTok skit satirizing the governor. Amnesty emphasized that satire is not a crime.
The organization condemned the use of the DSS as a tool of intimidation, stressing that criticism of public officials is a legitimate exercise of free speech. “No one is above criticism, no matter his status. Arresting critics is unacceptable in a free society,” Amnesty stated.
Nigeria has witnessed a surge in citizens using social media to express opinions on governance and politics. However, Amnesty warns that in Kano State, such expression increasingly carries the risk of reprisals, including intimidation, arrests, and detention.
The group urged Nigerian authorities to respect, protect, and promote the right to freedom of expression, calling on the government to end the misuse of security agencies against critics.