Amnesty International Nigeria has expressed concern 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 released on Tuesday, the human rights organization said it was deeply troubled by what it called a disturbing trend of arrests, harassment and questioning of persons for expressing dissenting views about the governor. It warned that such actions risk creating a climate of fear and undermining the right to freedom of expression.
The group alleged that in several documented cases, individuals were either arrested or invited for questioning by the Department of State Services (DSS) after publicly criticizing the state government. According to the organization, these actions reflect a misuse of law enforcement mechanisms to suppress civic space and silence opposition voices.
Among the cases cited was that of a law student at Northwest University, Abba Ibrahim Hussain, who was reportedly taken into custody by DSS operatives following comments critical of the governor. The organization claimed he remained in detention and faced the possibility of missing academic examinations.
It also referenced the detention of Aminu Warkal, described as a social media commentator and government critic, who was allegedly held for several hours over accusations of cyberbullying. In another instance, Samir Hanga, son of Senator Rufa’i Hanga, was reportedly invited for questioning after criticizing the governor but was later released.
Additionally, a political commentator, Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda, was said to have been arrested and pressured to retract his criticism of the state government. A TikTok content creator, Saifullahi Abubakar, was also reportedly detained over a satirical video about the governor.
The organization maintained that satire and criticism of public officials are protected forms of expression in a democratic society and stressed that no public office holder is above scrutiny. It warned that increasing reprisals against dissenting voices could erode democratic principles and fundamental rights.
Amnesty International called on authorities to uphold constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and ensure that citizens are not penalized for peacefully expressing their views. As of the time of reporting, there had been no official response from the Kano State Government or the DSS regarding the allegations.
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