Amnesty International has condemned what it described as an escalating clampdown on freedom of expression in Kano State, alleging that critics of the state government and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf are being subjected to arbitrary arrests, detention, threats and intimidation.
In a statement, the human rights organisation said the alleged pattern of repression was particularly affecting opposition politicians, their supporters and social media users who express critical views about the state government.
Amnesty alleged that security agencies had increasingly been used to arrest or “invite” individuals over comments and posts regarded as critical of the governor, with some subsequently facing what the organisation described as hurried proceedings based on questionable charges.
It said the situation was creating what it described as a climate of fear and placing the right to freedom of expression under severe pressure in the state.
Among the cases highlighted by the organisation is that of Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, also known as Aiha K Nass, who Amnesty said had remained in detention since August.
The organisation also cited Alhaji Murtala Muhammad Dawanau, whom it said was detained over a comment on a Facebook post, and Fatima Dayyabu, who was allegedly arrested, arraigned and fined following criticism of the authorities.
Other individuals identified by Amnesty include Maryam Usman (Golden Queen), Muhammad Ahmad, Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama, Khadija Garba Kadnass, Ismail Hassan Hussain Lajin Dala and Isa Zanna Isa. It also said Zaidu Magaji had been subjected to threats and intimidation.
“These arrests are indicative of the constant harassment of opposition politicians and their supporters, and severe stifling of freedom of expression in Kano State,” Amnesty said.
The organisation stressed that criticism of public officials, including the President and state governors, falls within the scope of freedom of expression, arguing that public office does not place elected officials beyond scrutiny.
“Arresting critics is unacceptable in a free society,” it said.
Amnesty also expressed concern over the impact of the alleged crackdown on young Nigerians who use social media to express political and social opinions, warning that arrests and detention over peaceful online criticism could further restrict civic participation.
The organisation called on the Kano State Government and security agencies to respect the rights to freedom of expression and association and to ensure that individuals are not subjected to arbitrary detention or harassment for peacefully expressing their views.
Amnesty International’s broader reporting on Nigeria has similarly documented arrests and detention of journalists and other critics over dissenting expression, including cases involving social media posts and reports considered critical of public officials.
