The Kano State Government has dismissed allegations by Amnesty International that it is behind a pattern of arrests, detention, and harassment of individuals critical of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The global rights group on Wednesday accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of being at the forefront of the clampdown, often “inviting” or detaining citizens whose only offence it said was expressing dissenting views of the governor.

According to Amnesty, the trend is creating a climate of fear and shrinking civic space in the state.

But in a statement signed by its Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Kano government described the report titled: “Kano: Escalating Repression Endangers Freedom of Expression” as misleading, unfounded, and a gross misrepresentation of facts.

According to the statement, Governor Yusuf’s administration remains committed to protecting fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, but stressed that such rights are not absolute.

It noted that libel, slander, defamation, hate speech, incitement, and deliberate misinformation fall outside the protective boundaries of free speech.

“No democratic society permits the weaponization of social media to spread malicious falsehoods or content capable of breaching public peace under the guise of exercising the right of expression,” the statement read.

The Commissioner further explained that security agencies, including the DSS operate strictly within their statutory mandates.

Arrests or invitations, it said, are based on petitions or credible allegations of wrongdoing such as cyberbullying, defamation, or incitement.

It emphasized that the Kano State Government does not control or micromanage federal security agencies but supports their efforts to curb cybercrime and protect the dignity of citizens.

Highlighting its record, the government pointed out that Kano under Governor Yusuf has been recognized as one of the most media- and civil society–friendly administrations in Nigeria.

It cited the adoption of the Open Government Partnership initiative, which has enhanced citizen participation and civic engagement in governance.

The statement also noted that the Yusuf administration has extended benefits to opposition members, including payment of gratuities and entitlements, describing this as unprecedented in the history of the state.

It insisted that citizens were free to express opinions on governance without harassment, but warned that there is a clear boundary between criticism and defamation, dissent and incitement.

“The Kano State Government does not target social media influencers or political opponents,” the statement said. “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.”

The government urged organizations and commentators to verify facts before making sweeping conclusions that could undermine state institutions or create unnecessary tension.

It reiterated its commitment to democratic values, rule of law, and peaceful coexistence, pledging to uphold justice and fairness while ensuring that rights are exercised responsibly. (Daily Trust)