‎Amnesty International Nigeria has alleged an increasing crackdown on critics of the Kano State Government, saying several people have been subjected to arrest, detention, threats and intimidation over comments and social media posts critical of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

‎‎The organisation, in a statement on Wednesday, said the alleged crackdown was creating what it described as a “climate of fear” and threatening citizens’ right to freedom of expression.

‎It said people were being arrested or invited by security agencies over their opinions, while some were allegedly subjected to what it described as hurried trials and convictions on questionable charges.

‎Amnesty said opposition supporters were particularly affected, alleging that some had been targeted over social media posts.

‎It identified Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, popularly known as Aiha K Nass, as a particular concern, saying he had remained in detention since August.

‎The organisation also named Alhaji Murtala Muhammad Dawanau, whom it said was detained over a comment on a Facebook post, while Fatima Dayyabu was allegedly arrested, arraigned and fined over criticism.

‎Other people listed by Amnesty included 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.

‎It further alleged that Zaidu Magaji had been subjected to threats and intimidation.

‎“These arrests are indicative of the constant harassment of opposition politicians and their supporters, and severe stifling of freedom of expression in Kano State,” Amnesty said.

‎The organisation urged the Kano State Government and security agencies to respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and association.

‎It said criticism of elected officials was protected by the right to freedom of expression, adding that no public official should be shielded from criticism.

‎The latest allegation comes amid wider concerns raised by Amnesty over arrests and detention of activists, social media critics and other people expressing dissent in Nigeria. Its 2025 country assessment documented several cases involving social media posts and criticism of public officials.

‎The Kano State Government had previously rejected similar allegations by Amnesty, describing them as “misleading, unfounded” and a misrepresentation of facts.

It said its administration remained committed to fundamental human rights and that security agencies acted on petitions and allegations of offences. (Daily Trust)