Human Rights Group Accuses Kano State of Silencing Governor's Detractors

Amnesty International has voiced serious concerns regarding alleged arrests, detentions, and intimidation targeting individuals critical of the Kano State Government. The human rights organization asserts that these actions are fostering an atmosphere of fear and curtailing freedom of expression within the state.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Amnesty International claimed that numerous people have been apprehended or summoned by security agencies because of comments and social media posts deemed critical of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. A particular focus of Amnesty’s concern is Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, widely known as Aiha K Nass, who has reportedly been held in detention since August.

The organization also identified Murtala Muhammad Dawanau, alleging his detention stemmed from a Facebook comment. Similarly, Fatima Dayyabu was reportedly arrested, charged, and subsequently fined for criticizing the government. Other individuals listed include Maryam Usman, known as Golden Queen; Muhammad Ahmad; Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama; Khadija Garba Kadnass; Ismail Hassan Hussain Lajin Dala; and Isa Zanna Isa. Amnesty further claimed that Zaidu Magaji has 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 declared. The organization emphasized the constitutional right of citizens to express critical views about elected officials, urging both the Kano State Government and its security apparatus to uphold freedom of expression and association.

“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,” Amnesty reiterated.

However, the Kano State Government has vehemently rejected these allegations, dismissing Amnesty’s account as one-sided and misleading. This rebuttal was contained in a statement issued and signed on Thursday by Ibrahim Waiya, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs.

The government affirmed its position, stating, “The right to freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed, and the administration recognises these legitimate rights of the citizens, journalists, civil society organisations and opposition to criticise government policies and programmes or interrogate the action of any public official.”

Nevertheless, the government argued that freedom of expression does not grant immunity from investigation or prosecution where an individual's alleged conduct infringes upon the rights of others or violates existing legal provisions. It clarified that security agencies bear the statutory responsibility to investigate alleged criminal conduct, while the judiciary is constitutionally mandated to determine guilt or innocence.

“The cases cited by Amnesty International should therefore be considered individually, on the basis of the allegations made, the applicable laws, the evidence presented before the courts and the decisions reached by the competent judicial authorities,” the government stated.

Furthermore, the Kano government refuted the description of arrests involving critics as arbitrary, asserting that security agencies operate strictly within federal laws and their constitutional responsibilities. Commissioner Waiya expressed disappointment, remarking, “It is a pity that a reputable organisation like Amnesty International would reduce itself too low, to serving some political interests, consciously or unconsciously and thereby jumping into promoting and encouraging the evil culture of hate speech, misinformation, disinformation and fake news.”

The Kano State Government reiterated its commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights, while calling on Amnesty International to provide sufficient context and consider the perspectives of government authorities, security agencies, and the courts. It also expressed its continued willingness to engage with human rights organizations, civil society groups, and the media on matters concerning civic freedoms, security, and good governance.