By Nworisa Michael
The Kano State Government has rejected allegations by Amnesty International accusing it of escalating repression and endangering freedom of expression in the state.
Amnesty International, in a publication titled “Kano: Escalating Repression Endangers Freedom of Expression,” alleged a pattern of arrests, detention, and harassment of individuals for criticizing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, purportedly at the instance of the state government.
Responding in a statement issued on February 25, 2026, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Hon. Comr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described the allegations as “misleading, unfounded, and a gross misrepresentation of facts.”
Waiya said the administration of Governor Yusuf remains firmly committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He stressed that at no time had the government directed any security agency to target or intimidate individuals for expressing dissenting views.
The commissioner, however, noted that while freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed, it is not absolute. According to him, offences such as libel, slander, defamation, hate speech, incitement, and deliberate misinformation fall outside the boundaries of protected speech.
He stated that security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), operate within their statutory mandates and act on petitions or credible allegations of wrongdoing, including cyberbullying and character assassination. He added that the Kano State Government does not control or micromanage federal security agencies but supports lawful efforts to address cybercrime and protect public peace.
Waiya expressed concern over what he described as the misuse of social media platforms to spread misinformation and conduct personal attacks under the guise of civic engagement. He said the government has a responsibility to ensure that digital spaces do not become breeding grounds for disorder.
The commissioner further maintained that the Yusuf administration has been media- and civil society-friendly, citing its participation in the Open Government Partnership as evidence of its commitment to transparency and citizen participation.
He also highlighted what he described as unprecedented steps taken by the governor, including the payment of gratuities and entitlements to opposition members, asserting that citizens are free to hold and express opinions on governance without harassment.
Reiterating the government’s stance, Waiya said there is a clear legal and moral distinction between constructive criticism and defamation, and between dissent and incitement. He called on organizations and commentators to verify facts and engage relevant authorities before making conclusions capable of creating tension.
The Kano State Government, he said, remains committed to democratic values, the rule of law, and peaceful coexistence while ensuring that constitutional rights are exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.