The Kwankwasiyya Movement has expressed concerns over the alleged shrinking democratic space in Kano State, Nigeria. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the movement's spokesperson, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed, accused the Kano State Government of intimidating and harassing critics and opposition supporters. This comes after Amnesty International reported alleged arrests, detention, and harassment of critics of the Kano government.
According to the movement, several individuals have been affected by the reported arrests and intimidation, including Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, popularly known as Aiha K Nass; Murtala Muhammad Dawanau; Fatima Dayyabu; Maryam Usman, also known as Golden Queen; Muhammad Ahmad; Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama; Khadija Garba Kadnass; Ismail Hassan Hussain Lajin Dala; and Isa Zanna Isa. The group also mentioned that Amnesty International had raised concerns over alleged threats against Zaidu Magaji.
The movement particularly expressed concern over the continued detention of Aiha K Nass, who was arrested and brought before a Sharia court. The initial bail application was refused but was later granted under stringent conditions, including a requirement to provide two serving permanent secretaries and a Kano State Government employee as sureties. The group questioned whether such bail conditions were proportionate, particularly for a citizen who remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement alleged that the circumstances surrounding K Nass' arrest and prosecution were connected to his criticism of the government. However, the group stated that if there were genuine criminal allegations against him or any other citizen, such cases should be determined through transparent and lawful judicial proceedings. The movement has petitioned the Chief Judge of Kano State and the Kano State Judicial Service Commission over the conduct and circumstances of proceedings before the Sharia Court, Ungogo Division.
The movement's decision to seek institutional intervention aims to obtain a review of the matter through lawful channels. The group expects the petition to receive fair and impartial consideration, with appropriate action taken if any wrongdoing or procedural violation is established. The Kwankwasiyya Movement warned that it would continue to use legal and constitutional avenues to challenge what it considers violations of the rights of its members and other citizens.
The movement urged its members and supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while calling on the Kano State Government, security agencies, and relevant institutions to respect citizens' rights to freedom of expression and association. The group also called for an impartial review of cases involving people allegedly detained or prosecuted because of their political expression, including K Nass and others mentioned in the Amnesty International report.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement emphasized that it would not respond to intimidation with violence and would rely on petitions, complaints, legal representation, judicial review, and other remedies provided under Nigerian law. The group concluded by warning that nobody should provoke them into abandoning the path of law, and that their response would continue to be constitutional, peaceful, and lawful.
Key points
- The Kwankwasiyya Movement accuses Kano State Government of intimidating and harassing critics and opposition supporters.
- The movement expresses concern over the continued detention of Aiha K Nass, who was arrested and brought before a Sharia court.
- The group warns that it will continue to use legal and constitutional avenues to challenge what it considers violations of the rights of its members and other citizens.
