The Kwankwasiyya Movement, a political group in Kano State, Nigeria, has expressed concerns over what it describes as a sustained effort to intimidate and silence opposition voices, particularly its members and supporters. In a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, the Movement commended Amnesty International for its thorough investigation and courageous intervention concerning the disturbing reports of arrests, detention, intimidation, and harassment of critics of the Kano State Government.
According to the statement, Amnesty International's report identified several individuals allegedly affected by this pattern, including Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, popularly known as Aiha K Nass; Alhaji Murtala Muhammad Dawanau; Fatima Dayyabu; 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. The report also raised concerns over threats and intimidation allegedly directed at Zaidu Magaji.
The Movement stated that the development has raised serious questions about access to bail and the proportionality of conditions imposed on a citizen who is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Specifically, it mentioned the case of Aiha K Nass, who was arrested and brought before the Shari'a Court. His application for bail was initially refused and was subsequently granted subject to stringent conditions, including producing two serving Permanent Secretaries and an employee of the Kano State Government as sureties.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement believes that no citizen should be subjected to unnecessarily burdensome conditions merely because he is critical of those in power. The Movement took the responsible step of petitioning the Chief Judge of Kano State and the Kano State Judicial Service Commission concerning the conduct and circumstances surrounding the proceedings before the Shari'a Court, Ungogo Division. This action aims to seek review, accountability, and redress through the institutions established by law.
The Movement's Spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, emphasized that the decision to petition the Chief Judge and the Judicial Service Commission should not be interpreted as an isolated action concerning one individual. Instead, it represents a clear position of the Kwankwasiyya Movement that any attempt to intimidate, harass, silence, or unlawfully restrict the rights of its members or other citizens will be challenged through every legitimate legal and institutional avenue available.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement commends its members, particularly those who have had the courage to pursue these matters through lawful channels rather than resorting to confrontation. The Movement urges all members and supporters to remain steadfast, peaceful, and law-abiding in the face of any future attempt to intimidate, harass, or silence opposition voices in Kano State. It calls on the Kano State Government, security agencies, and all relevant institutions to respect the fundamental rights of citizens to freedom of expression and association.
The Movement also calls for an urgent and impartial review of cases involving persons allegedly detained or prosecuted primarily in connection with their political expression, including the case of Aiha K Nass and others identified by Amnesty International. Furthermore, it calls on the judiciary to jealously protect its independence and constitutional responsibilities and ensure that every citizen who comes before the courts receives fair and impartial treatment in accordance with the law.
Key points
- The Kwankwasiyya Movement has threatened legal action over the alleged continued clampdown on opposition by the ruling party in Kano State.
- Amnesty International's report confirmed the Movement's concerns about the shrinking democratic space in Kano State.
- The Movement calls for an urgent and impartial review of cases involving persons allegedly detained or prosecuted primarily in connection with their political expression.
