Amnesty International has expressed concern over the increasing crackdown on freedom of expression in Kano State, Nigeria. The organization alleges that critics of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf are being subjected to arbitrary arrests, detention, threats, and intimidation. According to Amnesty, several individuals have been arrested or "invited" by security agencies over comments or social media posts critical of the state government. This trend is creating a toxic climate of fear, endangering people's right to freedom of expression.
The organization highlighted several cases of individuals who have been arrested or detained for criticizing the government. Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, also known as Aiha K Nass, has been in detention since August. Alhaji Murtala Muhammad Dawanau was also arbitrarily detained for a comment on a Facebook post. Fatima Dayyabu was arrested, arraigned, and fined for criticism. Amnesty named several others who have been subjected to the alleged crackdown, including Maryam Usman, Muhammad Ahmad, and Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama.
Amnesty International described the arrests as indicative of the constant harassment of opposition politicians and their supporters, and severe stifling of freedom of expression in Kano State. The organization emphasized that security agencies should not be used to intimidate people who criticize elected officials. According to Amnesty, it is perfectly within the right of the people to criticize the President or a governor, and arresting critics is unacceptable in a free society.
The Kano State Government had previously rejected similar allegations by Amnesty as "misleading, unfounded, and a gross misrepresentation of facts". The government claimed that security agencies act on petitions and allegations of offences such as cyberbullying, defamation, and incitement. However, Amnesty maintained that the arrests are a clear violation of citizens' rights to freedom of expression and association.
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. The organization called on the Kano State Government and security agencies to respect citizens' rights to freedom of expression and association. Amnesty urged the government to ensure that security agencies do not use their powers to intimidate critics.
The case of Zaidu Magaji, who was subjected to "outrageous threats and intimidation", was also highlighted by Amnesty. The organization emphasized that these threats are a clear example of the climate of fear that is prevailing in Kano State. Amnesty reiterated its call for the government to take concrete steps to protect citizens' rights to freedom of expression.
Amnesty International's allegations have sparked concerns about the state of human rights in Kano State. The organization has urged the government to take immediate action to address the issue. KEY_POINT: Amnesty International condemns crackdown on critics of Kano Governor Yusuf. KEY_POINT: Arbitrary arrests, detention, threats against critics of Kano Governor Yusuf. KEY_POINT: Government urged to respect citizens' rights to freedom of expression and association.
