Kwankwasiyya condemns alleged political intimidation, misuse of security agencies in Kano

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has condemned what it described as a growing pattern of political intimidation, harassment and unlawful detention of citizens in Kano State, accusing authorities of suppressing freedom of expression.

The movement’s reaction follows a recent statement by Amnesty International, which on Tuesday raised concerns over what it termed a disturbing pattern of arrests and harassment of individuals allegedly criticising the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Amnesty International said it was “deeply concerned” about escalating repression in the state, alleging that security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), have targeted citizens for expressing dissenting views on social media and other platforms.

In a statement issued by Mansur Umar Kurugu of the Kwankwasiyya Media Team, the movement described the development as a dangerous escalation in the suppression of dissent.

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“Since the governor’s defection to the APC/Gandujiyya political structure, Kano has witnessed a disturbing rise in the use of security agencies to silence critics,” Kurugu said. “This is unacceptable, politically intolerant, and reflects weakness rather than leadership.”

He referenced Amnesty’s report, which allegedly documented cases of individuals being arrested or “invited” for questioning over comments made online.

Among those reportedly affected are Abba Ibrahim Hussain, Aminu Warkal, Samir Hanga, Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda and Saifullahi Abubakar, whose alleged offences include criticising, commenting on or satirising public officials.

“No democratic society criminalises dissent, and no leader is above criticism,” Kurugu said. “The weaponisation of security institutions against citizens undermines democracy and erodes public trust in governance.”

The statement lamented what it described as a departure from Kano’s political heritage, invoking the legacies of prominent leaders such as Aminu Kano, Abubakar Rimi, Sabo Bakin Zuwo and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“It is wrenching that a government of Kano State, a state with a long political history that produced figures such as Malam Aminu Kano and others, would abandon politics of ideas and competition of progress for political intimidation and self-embarrassment,” Kurugu stated.

The movement argued that the alleged repression was damaging Kano’s image internationally, noting that the state was being referenced in global reports for negative reasons rather than developmental achievements.

“Kano is appearing in the reports of international organisations not for positive achievements, but for narratives of suppressing opposition. It is unfortunate,” he said.

The group rejected what it described as fear-based politics and warned against the misuse of state power to intimidate opponents and ordinary citizens.

“Intimidation will not deter us. Harassment will not silence us.

Arrests will not weaken our resolve,” Kurugu declared, adding that the movement would continue to organise lawfully and democratically.

He maintained that ultimate power rests with the people and urged authorities to uphold constitutional freedoms and ensure that security agencies operate within the law.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the State Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, were unsuccessful.