Many critics of Kano Gov Yusuf facing arbitrary arrests, detention, threats – Amnesty

Amnesty International has raised fresh concerns over what it described as an escalating crackdown on critics of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, alleging that political opponents, activists and social media commentators are facing arbitrary arrests, detention, threats and intimidation.

In a statement reported on Thursday, September 24, 2026, the human-rights organisation said several individuals had been arrested or invited by security agencies over comments and social media posts critical of the Kano State Government. 

Amnesty specifically cited the case of Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, popularly known as Aiha K Nass, whom it alleged had remained in detention since August. It also mentioned Alhaji Murtala Muhammad Dawanau, whom the organisation said was detained over a Facebook comment, and Fatima Dayyabu, who it alleged was arrested, arraigned and fined following criticism of the government. 

The organisation also listed several other individuals it said had experienced harassment or intimidation, including Maryam Usman, Muhammad Ahmad, Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama, Khadija Garba Kadnass, Ismail Hassan Hussain Lajin Dala and Isa Zanna Isa.

Amnesty said the alleged pattern of arrests and intimidation was creating a climate of fear and restricting freedom of expression in the state.

“It is perfectly within the right of the people to criticise the President or a governor,” Amnesty said, according to the report. 

The organisation called on the Kano State Government and security agencies to respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and association and urged that security agencies should not be used to intimidate people for criticising elected officials. 

Kano Government rejects allegations

The Kano State Government has previously rejected similar allegations from Amnesty International, describing them as “misleading, unfounded, and a gross misrepresentation of facts.” The government said security agencies act on petitions and allegations involving offences such as cyberbullying, defamation and incitement, rather than simply targeting critics of the governor. 

The allegations also come against a broader backdrop of concerns over freedom of expression in Nigeria. Amnesty’s Nigeria reporting has documented cases involving journalists and critics being arrested or detained over allegedly offensive or critical online expression. 

The latest claims therefore remain allegations by Amnesty International, while the Kano State Government disputes the organisation’s characterization of the arrests and security operations.