Amnesty alleges crackdown on Kano governor’s critics

FILE: Kano State Governor, Yusuf Abba

Amnesty International has raised concerns over alleged arrests, detention and intimidation of critics of the Kano State Government, saying the actions are creating fear and restricting freedom of expression in the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the organisation alleged that several people had been arrested or invited by security agencies over comments and social media posts critical of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Amnesty particularly raised concern over Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, popularly known as Aiha K Nass, whom it said had remained in detention since August.

It also named Murtala Muhammad Dawanau, alleging that he was detained over a Facebook comment, while Fatima Dayyabu was allegedly arrested, arraigned and fined over criticism of the government.

Other people listed included 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.

Amnesty also alleged that Zaidu Magaji had faced 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 said.

The organisation said citizens had the right to criticise elected officials and urged the Kano State Government and security agencies to respect 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 said.

However, the Kano State Government rejected the allegations, describing Amnesty’s account as one-sided and misleading.

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This was contained in a statement issued and signed on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya.

“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,” the government said.

It, however, argued that freedom of expression did not provide immunity from investigation or prosecution where alleged conduct violated the rights of others or provisions of the law.

The government said security agencies had a statutory responsibility to investigate alleged criminal conduct, while courts had the constitutional responsibility 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 said.

The government also rejected the description of arrests involving critics as arbitrary, arguing that security agencies operate within federal laws and their constitutional responsibilities.

“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,” Waiya said.

The Kano Government said it remained committed to democratic governance, the rule of law and fundamental rights, while urging Amnesty to provide sufficient context and consider the perspectives of government authorities, security agencies and the courts.

It also said it remained willing to engage human rights organisations, civil society groups and the media on civic freedoms, security and good governance.