Amnesty alleges escalating crackdown on govt critics in Kano, cites many DSS arrests
Amnesty International Raises Concerns Over Repression in Kano State
KANO, Nigeria — Amnesty International Nigeria has expressed serious concerns regarding an “escalating pattern of repression” in Kano State, alleging that individuals who criticize Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf are facing arrest, detention, and intimidation.
In a statement released on its official Facebook page Tuesday, the human rights organization highlighted what it called “disturbing patterns of arrest, detention, and harassment” targeting those who express dissenting opinions about the governor. Amnesty International reported that many of the cases documented involved individuals being either arrested or “invited” for questioning 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,” the organization stated.
Amnesty cited several recent incidents as evidence of an abuse of power and a manipulation of law enforcement to suppress civic engagement. Among the allegations, Abba Ibrahim Hussain, a law student at Northwest University, was reportedly abducted from his residence by armed DSS personnel on Sunday for criticizing Governor Yusuf. He is currently in detention and at risk of missing his ongoing examinations.
The organization also referenced the case of Aminu Warkal, a social media influencer critical of the government, who was allegedly detained for five hours over the weekend on accusations of “cyberbullying” the governor.
Additionally, Samir Hanga, son of Senator Rufa’Hanga, was reportedly subjected to an intimidating “invitation” by the DSS for questioning after he criticized Governor Yusuf. He has since been released. Another case mentioned involved Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda, a political commentator, who was allegedly arrested two weeks ago and pressured to retract his criticism of the governor.
Amnesty also claimed that TikTok user Saifullahi Abubakar was unlawfully detained for creating a satirical skit about the governor. “Satirizing those in authority is not a crime,” the organization remarked, emphasizing that “no one is above criticism, no matter their status.”
The organization warned that as the use of social media for political commentary grows across Nigeria, Kano State appears to be experiencing heightened reprisals against dissenting voices through intimidation and detention. Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to “respect, protect, promote, and fulfill the right of everyone to freedom of expression,” asserting that the arrest of critics is unacceptable in a democratic society.
As of this report, there has been no official response from the Kano State Government or the DSS regarding these allegations.
