Amnesty International Alleges Crackdown on Critics in Kano

Amnesty International has expressed deep concern regarding an escalating pattern of repression in Kano State, Nigeria, particularly against individuals criticizing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The organization highlighted several recent incidents, including the alleged abduction of law student Abba Ibrahim Hussain by DSS personnel for criticizing the governor.

Other cases include social media influencer Aminu Warkal, who was reportedly detained for five hours over comments made online, and Samir Hanga, son of NNPP Senator Rufai Hanga, who was questioned by the DSS. Additionally, Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda, a political commentator, was allegedly arrested two weeks ago to compel him to withdraw his criticisms.

Amnesty also reported the unlawful arrest of Saifullahi Abubakar for producing a satirical TikTok skit about the governor. The organization condemned these actions as abuses of power and called on Nigerian authorities to respect and protect the right to freedom of expression, emphasizing that such arrests are unacceptable in a democratic society.