Amnesty International Raises Concern Over Arrest of Yusuf’s Critics in Kano
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO —- Amnesty International, on Wednesday raised alarm over what it describes as a disturbing pattern of arrests, detention and harassment of individuals accused of criticizing the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
In a statement, the rights organization said it is “deeply concerned” about what it called escalating repression in the state, alleging that security agencies are increasingly targeting citizens for expressing dissenting views.
According to Amnesty, several individuals have recently been arrested or “invited” for questioning, particularly by the Department of State Services (DSS), over comments made on social media and other platforms.
The organization warned that such actions are creating what it termed a “toxic climate of fear” and shrinking civic space in Kano.
Among the cases cited in the statement was that of Abba Ibrahim Hussain, a law student who was allegedly picked up by armed DSS personnel at his residence after criticizing the governor. Amnesty said he remains in detention and risks missing his ongoing examinations.
The group also referenced the detention of Aminu Warkal, a social media influencer who was reportedly held for hours over allegations of cyberbullying the governor, as well as the questioning of other critics who were later released after what Amnesty described as intimidation.
Amnesty International further alleged that some detainees were pressured to withdraw or recant their criticism of the governor as a condition for their release.
The Rights group stated that satire, commentary, and political criticism are protected forms of expression in a democratic society.
“The right to freedom of expression includes the right to criticize those in power,” the organization stated, adding that no public official is above scrutiny or lawful criticism.
The rights group called on Nigerian authorities to respect, protect and fulfil the right to freedom of expression, urging security agencies to refrain from actions that could undermine democratic principles.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Government and the DSS have not publicly responded to the allegations.