The Kano State Government has strongly kicked against allegations by Amnesty International that it is detaining, harassing, and intimidating critics of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing the human rights group’s report as one-sided, inaccurate, and politically motivated.
In a counter-statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, affirmed that the administration fully respects the constitutional right of citizens, journalists, and political opponents to scrutinise public officials and policies.
“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.
However, the state government insisted that free speech does not confer legal immunity when individuals breach existing laws or infringe upon the rights of others. Officials maintained that law enforcement agencies act strictly within their federal mandate to investigate criminal complaints, leaving judicial bodies to determine guilt based on evidence.
“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 statement continued.
Denying that any of the arrests were arbitrary, the state government accused Amnesty of allowing itself to be manipulated by political actors to encourage harmful public commentary.
“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.
Reaffirming its dedication to democratic principles, civil rights, and the rule of law, the Kano State Government urged human rights bodies to gather proper context from official and judicial authorities before publishing claims, whilst reiterating its openness to dialogue with civil society and media entities on civic freedoms and governance.
The government’s pushback follows a statement issued on Wednesday by Amnesty International, which expressed serious concern over what it described as the systematic arrest, detention, and intimidation of individuals critical of the Kano State Government, warning that such measures are instilling widespread fear and severely stifling freedom of expression across the state.
In its report, the human rights monitor highlighted a pattern of security agencies detaining or summoning residents over comments and social media posts targeted at Governor Yusuf. It drew specific attention to Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, known as Aiha K Nass, who has reportedly been held in detention since August.
Among other cases cited by the group were Murtala Muhammad Dawanau, allegedly detained over a Facebook post, and Fatima Dayyabu, who was reportedly arrested, arraigned, and fined for her public criticism. Amnesty also listed Maryam Usman, Muhammad Ahmad, Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama, Khadija Garba Kadnass, Ismail Hassan Hussain Lajin Dala, and Isa Zanna Isa as victims of state pressure, adding that Zaidu Magaji had faced direct threats and harassment.
“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 stated.
The rights group argued that citizens possess an unquestionable right to hold elected public officials accountable, calling on local authorities and law enforcement to uphold constitutional freedoms.
“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 added.