Amnesty International has accused the Kano State Government of targeting critics of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, Amnesty Nigeria said it has observed a growing pattern of arrests and intimidation. The group claimed authorities target people who criticise the governor.
Amnesty said many of those affected were either arrested or invited for questioning by the Department of State Services (DSS). It warned that the trend is creating fear and limiting free speech in Kano.
The rights group cited several recent cases. It said armed DSS officers allegedly picked up Abba Ibrahim Hussain, a law student at Northwest University, from his home in Kano. According to Amnesty, he criticised the governor and now remains in detention. The group added that he risks missing his exams.
Amnesty also mentioned Aminu Warkal, a social media influencer. It said officials detained him for five hours over claims of cyberbullying the governor.
In another case, Samir Hanga, son of NNPP Senator Rufa’i Hanga, reportedly received a DSS invitation after criticising the governor. He was later released.
The group further alleged that security agents arrested political commentator Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda two weeks ago. It claimed authorities forced him to withdraw his criticism.
Amnesty also raised concerns about the arrest of TikToker Saifullahi Abubakar. The group said he produced a satirical video about the governor. It stressed that satire is not a crime and public officials must accept criticism.
Amnesty urged Nigerian authorities to protect freedom of expression. It said arresting critics has no place in a democratic society.
As of the time of this report, the Kano State Government and the DSS had not issued any official response.
