Amnesty International Nigeria has raised the alarm over what it described as escalating repression and attacks on freedom of expression in Kano State, citing a disturbing pattern of arrests and harassment of individuals critical of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
In a statement posted on its social media platforms on Wednesday, the organisation said it was “deeply concerned by the disturbing patterns of arrest, detention and harassment of persons simply for criticizing or making dissenting commentary on the governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf.”
The rights group alleged that in most cases, the targets were either arrested or “invited” by the Department of State Services (DSS), creating a “toxic climate of fear” and undermining people’s right to free speech.
“In almost all cases, the victims were either arrested or ‘invited,’ particularly by the DSS. This rising tide of repression is increasingly creating a toxic climate of fear and endangering people’s right to freedom of expression,” the statement added.
Amnesty International cited recent cases it described as evidence of “clear abuse of power and manipulation of law enforcement that are suffocating the civic space in Kano.”
The group highlighted the case of Abba Ibrahim Hussain, who it said was “outrageously abducted by armed DSS personnel at his residence in Kano on Sunday for criticising the governor.”
According to Amnesty, Hussain remains in detention and risks missing ongoing exams at Northwest University, where he studies law.
The organisation also alleged that social media influencer Aminu Warkal was detained for five hours over what it termed a “brazen allegation of cyberbullying of the governor.” Similarly, Samir Hanga was reportedly intimidated through a DSS “invitation” and released only after questioning aimed “solely at shutting him up.”
Other cases documented by Amnesty include Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda, allegedly arrested two weeks ago and forced to withdraw criticism of the governor, and Saifullahi Abubakar, who the group said was “unlawfully arrested and detained” for producing a TikTok skit about the governor.
“Satirising those in authority is not a crime. It is perfectly within their right to criticise the President or the governor. No one is above criticism no matter their status. Arresting critics is unacceptable in a free society,” Amnesty stated.
The organisation warned that while social media continues to be a vital platform for Nigerians to discuss social and political issues, Kano State faces a growing threat of reprisals through intimidation, arrests, and detention.
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to uphold fundamental rights, urging that “the Nigerian authorities must respect, protect, promote, and fulfil the right of everyone to freedom of expression.”
Efforts to obtain comments from the Kano State Government and the DSS were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
