Amnesty International Nigeria has raised the alarm over what it described as an “escalating pattern of repression” in Kano State, alleging that individuals who criticize Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf are being subjected to arrest, detention and intimidation.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Tuesday morning, the human rights organization said it is “deeply concerned by the disturbing patterns of arrest, detention and harassment of persons simply for criticizing or making dissenting commentary” about the governor.
The group alleged that in most of the documented cases, those targeted were either arrested or “invited” by the Department of State Services (DSS).
“This rising tide of repression is increasingly creating a toxic climate of fear and endangering people’s right to freedom of expression,” Amnesty International stated.
Amnesty cited several recent incidents it described as evidence of abuse of power and manipulation of law enforcement to suppress civic space in Kano.
According to the rights watchdog, Abba Ibrahim Hussain, a law student at Northwest University, was allegedly abducted from his residence in Kano by armed DSS personnel on Sunday for criticizing the governor.
He remains in detention and risks missing ongoing examinations.
The rights group also referenced the case of Aminu Warkal, described as a social media influencer and government critic, who was reportedly detained for five hours over the weekend on allegations of “cyberbullying” the governor.
In another instance, Samir Hanga, son of the only NNPP serving Senator, Rufa’Hanga, was said to have been subjected to what Amnesty termed an intimidating DSS “invitation” for questioning after criticizing the governor. He was later released.
Similarly, Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda, a renowned political commentator, was allegedly arrested two weeks ago and compelled to withdraw his criticism of Governor Yusuf.
Amnesty further claimed that TikToker, Saifullahi Abubakar was unlawfully arrested and detained for producing a TikTok skit satirizing the governor.
“Satirising those in authority is not a crime,” the organization said, adding that “no one is above criticism, no matter his status.”
Amnesty International warned that while social media use for political commentary is growing across Nigeria, Kano State appears to be witnessing increasing reprisals against dissenting voices through intimidation and detention.
The organization called on Nigerian authorities to “respect, protect, promote and fulfil the right of everyone to freedom of expression,” insisting that arresting critics is unacceptable in a democratic society.
Meanwhile, there has so far been no official response from the Kano State Government or the DSS regarding the allegations.
