The Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN) has expressed concern over alleged harassment, intimidation and threats to the life and liberty of a community activist, Comrade Habu Hassan Abdullahi, in Kunya community, Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano State.
CEFSAN made this known in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq., and made available to Kano Times on Saturday in Kano.
According to the organisation, the incident followed the alleged removal of the community’s electricity transformer on Jan. 8, 2026, on the instruction of the Minjibir Local Government Chairman.
“According to credible information made available to CEFSAN, an incident occurred on 8 January 2026 in Kunya community, where the Minjibir Local Government Chairman allegedly ordered the removal of the community’s electricity transformer without prior notice, consultation, or adequate explanation to the affected residents,” the statement said.
CEFSAN said the action reportedly triggered concern and peaceful disagreement among residents, especially due to previous experiences in which community-owned infrastructure, including a transformer and an engine, were allegedly taken away and never returned.
The rights group noted that Abdullahi, a community activist, openly objected to the alleged removal of the transformer in the exercise of his constitutional rights.
“CEFSAN understands that Comrade Habu Hassan Abdullahi, in the exercise of his constitutional right to freedom of expression and peaceful participation in community affairs, was among those who openly expressed objection to the alleged removal of the transformer,” it said.
The organisation further alleged that following his expression of dissent, the Local Government Chairman “connived with the Dambatta Police Area Command to orchestrate the arrest and detention of Comrade Habu without due process of law.”
CEFSAN said it was “deeply troubled” by reports that Abdullahi fled his community after receiving information of an imminent arrest, adding that police operatives allegedly attempted to arrest him but could not locate him.
“CEFSAN strongly condemns any attempt to use state security apparatus to silence community voices, intimidate activists, or criminalize peaceful civic engagement,” the statement said.
It added that such actions, if proven, would amount to violations of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), including rights to personal liberty, freedom of expression, movement and peaceful assembly.
The organisation called for an immediate end to all forms of harassment against Abdullahi, public clarification by Minjibir Local Government authorities on the removal of the transformer, and an independent investigation into the alleged role of the council chairman and the Dambatta Police Area Command.
CEFSAN also demanded assurances of the safety and fundamental rights of Abdullahi and residents of Kunya community, as well as respect for transparency and community consultation in decisions affecting public utilities.
“CEFSAN wishes to place the relevant authorities, civil society organisations, the media, and the general public on notice that we are closely monitoring this situation. Any harm to Comrade Habu Hassan Abdullahi will be strongly resisted and pursued through all lawful national and international human rights mechanisms,” the statement said.
Background
Kano Times gathered that Abdullahi, a resident of Kunya community, had earlier written an urgent appeal to Amnesty International Nigeria, alleging threats to his life and risk of arbitrary arrest.
In the letter dated Jan. 9, 2026, Abdullahi said the directive to remove the transformer was not properly communicated to the community, recalling that a transformer and a Mikano generator previously taken away for “repairs” were never returned and were later confirmed stolen.
He stated that his calls for transparency and accountability allegedly led to threats of arrest, placing him “in a state of fear, insecurity, and constant risk,” despite committing no crime.
Abdullahi appealed to Amnesty International to monitor the situation, intervene to prevent any unlawful arrest, and ensure his safety and protection.
