AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: ALLEGATIONS AGAINST KANO STATE GOVERNMENT, FALSE, MISLEADING, AND UNFOUNDED
The attention of the Kano State Government has been drawn to a publication by Amnesty International titled “Kano: Escalating Repression Endangers Freedom of Expression,” alleging a pattern of arrests, detention, and harassment of individuals for criticizing the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, by security agencies at the instance of the Kano State Government
The Kano State Government hereby categorically rejects these allegations as misleading, unfounded, and a gross misrepresentation of facts. Let it be clearly known that, the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is firmly committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. At no time has the government directed any security agency to target, harass, or intimidate any individual merely for expressing dissenting opinions.
While freedom of expression is a constitutionally guaranteed right, it is, however, not absolute and is as well not infinite. The law equally recognizes the rights and dignity of others. Issues of libel, slander, defamation, mischief, hate speech, incitement, false accusations, and deliberate misinformation fall outside the protective boundaries of free speech. No democratic society permits the weaponization of social media to spread malicious falsehoods, character assassination, or content capable of breaching public peace under the guise of exercising right of expression.
It is important to emphasize that security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), operate within their statutory mandates. Invitations or arrests, where they occur, are based on petitions, complaints, or credible allegations of wrongdoing, including offences such as: cyberbullying, defamation, incitement or character assassination. The Kano State Government does not control or micromanage the administrative or operational decisions of federal security agencies. However, the Kano State Government is in support of whatever measures security agencies in the State are taking towards addressing all forms of cybercrime such as: bullying, defamation, slander, character assassination, targeting respected members of the society
In can be sadly recalled that in recent times, social media platforms have unfortunately been used by some individuals in the name of civic liberty, against the practices of constructive criticism, while encouraging deliberate misinformation, and personal attacks that go beyond healthy democratic engagement. The government has a responsibility to ensure that digital spaces do not become breeding grounds for disorders or platforms for damaging reputations without recourse to protection of human dignity and integrity.
For the record, the Kano State Government under the able leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been recognized as the most media and civil society organizations friendly Government, and for avoidance of doubt, the State Government has been at the forefront of upholding the principles of press freedom and civil society activism through the entrenchment and practice of the open government partnership, an initiative which guarantees citizens participation in overall governance process. This development has significantly recorded the highest civic engagements in the history of Kano, thereby providing an enabling environment for the growth of media practice on both conventional and new media spaces.
Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf, has set a record, indeed a precedence which allowed the opposition members to benefit from the magnanimity of his Government, through the payment of gratuity and other entitlement, a development which has never happened in the history of the state. Citizens are allowed to hold and express opinions on governance freely, without any harassment. Indeed, the Kano State Government firmly believes that constructive criticism remains vital to democratic governance and development. However, there is a clear legal and moral boundary between criticism and defamation, between satire and deliberate falsehood, and between dissent and incitement. The administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s stance on the absolute necessity to entrench the attributes, norms, and values that give meaning to a civilised and enlightened society is definite and as well, resolute
The Government of Kano State, therefore, reiterates that it does not target social media influencers or political opponents. Any action taken by law enforcement agencies must be viewed within the context of existing laws governing cybercrime, public order, and the protection of individual rights and dignity. We accordingly implore organizations and commentators to verify facts thoroughly and engage relevant authorities before drawing sweeping conclusions capable of undermining state and institutional authorities, creating chaos and unnecessary tension.
Kano State Government remains committed to democratic values, rule of law, and the peaceful coexistence of all citizens. This administration will continue to uphold justice, fairness, and respect for constitutional rights while ensuring that those rights are exercised responsibly and within the ambit of the law.
Signed,
Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya
Hon. Commissioner
Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs
Kano State
25th February, 2026