Amnesty International has condemned what it described as an increasing crackdown on freedom of expression in Kano State, alleging that critics of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf are facing arbitrary arrests, detention, threats and intimidation.
In a statement Obtained by The News Chronicle on Thursday, the organisation said several individuals had been arrested or invited by security agencies over comments and social media posts critical of the state government.
Amnesty alleged that some of those arrested were subjected to what it described as “sham trials” and hurriedly sentenced on questionable charges.
“The rising tide of repression prevailing in Kano is increasingly creating a toxic climate of fear and endangering people’s right to freedom of expression,” the organisation said.
Amnesty said the cases of Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, also known as Aiha K Nass, and Alhaji Murtala Muhammad Dawanau were particularly concerning, alleging that both remained in detention over their expressions on social media.
It also alleged that Fatima Dayyabu was arrested, arraigned and fined over criticism of the government.
The organisation further listed Maryam Usman, popularly known as Golden Queen, Muhammad Ahmad, Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama, Khadija Garba Kadnass, Ismail Hassan Hussain Lajin Dala and Isa Zanna Isa among those it said had been affected by the alleged crackdown.
It also claimed that Zaidu Magaji had faced threats and intimidation.
Amnesty called on the Kano State Government and security agencies to respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and association, stressing that elected officials should be open to criticism.
The organisation urged security agencies not to be used to intimidate citizens who express criticism against public officials.
However, the Kano State Government has previously rejected similar allegations by Amnesty International, describing them as “misleading, unfounded, and a gross misrepresentation of facts.”
The government maintained that security agencies act on petitions and allegations involving offences such as cyberbullying, defamation and incitement.
Amnesty’s wider 2026 assessment of Nigeria also documented cases involving the arrest and detention of journalists and other individuals over dissenting expression, including comments made on social media.
