Amnesty International Alleges Crackdown On Critics Of Gov Yusuf
Amnesty International Nigeria has raised concerns over what it described as an escalating clampdown on dissent in Kano State, alleging that critics of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf are facing arrest, detention and intimidation.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Tuesday, the rights group said it is deeply troubled by what it called a pattern of targeting individuals for criticising or expressing dissenting views about the governor.
According to Amnesty, many of those affected were either arrested or “invited” for questioning by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The organisation warned that the trend is fostering a climate of fear and undermining the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Amnesty cited the case of Abba Ibrahim Hussain, a law student at Northwest University, who was allegedly taken from his residence in Kano by armed DSS operatives on Sunday after criticising the governor.
It said Hussain remains in detention and may miss his ongoing examinations.
The group also mentioned Aminu Warkal, described as a social media influencer and critic of the government, who was reportedly detained for five hours over the weekend on allegations of cyberbullying the governor.
Similarly, Samir Hanga, son of NNPP Senator Rufa’i Hanga, was said to have received what Amnesty termed an intimidating DSS invitation for questioning after criticising Governor Yusuf, before being released.
Amnesty further alleged that Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda, a political commentator, was arrested two weeks ago and pressured to retract his criticism of the governor.
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In another case, TikToker Saifullahi Abubakar was reportedly arrested and detained for producing a satirical skit about the governor.
“Satirising those in authority is not a crime,” the organisation stated, adding that public officials are not above scrutiny regardless of their status.
The group noted that while social media has become a growing platform for political commentary across Nigeria, Kano State appears to be witnessing increasing reprisals against dissenting voices.
Amnesty called on authorities to respect and protect citizens’ right to freedom of expression, stressing that arresting critics has no place in a democratic society.
As at the time of filing this report, neither the Kano State Government nor the DSS had issued an official response to the allegations.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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