Nigeria Feb.25, 2026
Amnesty International has expressed concern by the disturbing patterns of arrest, detention and harrassment of persons, simply for criticizing or making dissenting commentary on the state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
This was disclosed on the organisation’s online platform on Wednesday, saying that in almost all the cases, the victims were either arrested or ‘invited’ particularly by the Department of State Services (DSS).
“This rising tide of repression is increasingly creating a toxic climate of fear and endangering people’s right to freedom of expression.
“Recent cases documented by Amnesty International, showed clear abuse of power and manipulation of law enforcement that are suffocating the civic space in Kano,” it said.
1. The case of Abba Ibrahim Hussain is outrageous. For criticizing the governor of Kano state, he was abducted by armed DSS personnel at his residence in Kano on Sunday. He is still in detention and at the risk of missing ongoing exams at Northwest University where he is studying law.
2. Aminu Warkal, a social media influencer and critic of the governor, was detained for five hours at the weekend by the DSS on the brazen allegation of “cyberbulling of the governor.”
3. Samir Hanga was subjected to the intimidation that is called: ‘invitation’ by the DSS for criticizing the governor. He was only released after questioning that is solely aimed at shutting him up.
4. Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda was arrested by DSS two weeks ago, and forced to withdaw criticism against Gov. Abba Yusuf
5. Saifullahi Abubakar was unlawfully arrested and detained by the DSS for making a Tiktok skit on Gov. Abba Yusuf. Satirising those in authority is not a crime.
The DSS according to the organisation, is increasingly being used to harrass and intimidate persons who criticize the governor.
“It is perfectly within their right to criticize the President or the governor. No one is above criticism no matter his status. Arresting critics is unacceptable in a free society.
“Nigeria has seen a growing number of people using social media to comment on social and political issues, but in Kano state, with this has come an increasing threat of reprisals from the state government using amongst others, intimidation, arrests and detention.
“The Nigerian authorities must respect, protect, promote, and fulfil the right of everyone to freedom of expression,” Amnesty International harped.
