Many critics of Kano Gov Yusuf facing arbitrary arrests, detention, threats – Amnesty

Amnesty International has condemned what it described as an increasing crackdown on freedom of expression in Kano State, alleging that critics of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf are being subjected to arbitrary arrests, detention, threats and intimidation.

The organisation said in a statement that several people had been arrested or “invited” by security agencies over comments or social media posts critical of the state government.

It alleged that some of those arrested were subjected to what it called “sham trials” and hurriedly sentenced on what it described as questionable charges.

“The rising tide of repression prevailing in Kano is increasingly creating a toxic climate of fear and endangering people’s right to freedom of expression,” Amnesty said.

The organisation said the case of Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, also known as Aiha K Nass, was particularly concerning, alleging that he had remained in detention since August.

“Also still in arbitrary detention is Alhaji Murtala Muhammad Dawanau, simply for a comment on a Facebook post. Fatima Dayyabu was arbitrarily arrested, arraigned and fined for criticism,” it said.

Amnesty also named Maryam Usman, popularly known as Golden Queen, Muhammad Ahmad, Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama, Khadija Garba Kadnass, Ismail Hassan Hussain Lajin Dala and Isa Zanna Isa among those it said had been subjected to the alleged crackdown.

It further said Zaidu Magaji had been subjected to “outrageous 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 said security agencies should not be used to intimidate people who criticise elected officials.

“It is perfectly within the right of the people to criticise the President or a governor. No one is above criticism, no matter his status. Arresting critics is unacceptable in a free society,” it said.

Amnesty called on the Kano State Government and security agencies to respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and association.

The Kano State Government had previously rejected similar allegations by Amnesty as “misleading, unfounded, and a gross misrepresentation of facts”, saying security agencies act on petitions and allegations of offences such as cyberbullying, defamation and incitement.

Amnesty’s wider 2026 assessment of Nigeria has also documented arrests and detention of journalists and others over dissenting expression, including cases involving social media posts.