The Kwankwasiyya Movement on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, condemned in strong terms, what it described as a growing pattern of intimidation, harassment, and unlawful detention of citizens in Kano for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression.
The Movement said that the situation diminishes the state’s reputation and distracts from governance and development priorities.
It specifically noted that since Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection to the All Progressives Congress/Gandujiyya political structure, Kano has witnessed a disturbing rise in the use of security agencies to silence critics.
These were contained in a statement by Mansur Umar Kurugu of the Kwankwasiyya Media Team, who described the actions of the Kano State government is unacceptable, politically intolerant, and reflected weakness rather than leadership, adding that the trend represented a dangerous escalation in the suppression of dissenting voices in the state.
Kurugu referenced recent concerns raised by Amnesty International, which reportedly documented an alarming pattern of repression threatening freedom of expression in the state.
The statement said that among those allegedly targeted are Abba Ibrahim Hussain, Aminu Warkal, Samir Hanga, Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda, and Saifullahi Abubakar, whose purported offences include criticising, commenting on, or satirising public officials.
In the words of Kurugu; “No democratic society criminalises dissent, and no leader is above criticism. The weaponisation of security institutions against citizens undermines democracy and erodes public trust in governance”.
Kurugu lamented what he described as a decline from Kano’s rich political heritage, invoking the legacy of notable leaders from the state.
He further said; “It is wrenching that a government of Kano State — a state with a long political history that produced figures such as Malam Aminu Kano, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Alhaji Sabo Bakin Zuwo, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso — would abandon politics of ideas and competition of progress for political intimidation and self-embarrassment.
“It is contemptuous to the good people of Kano State that a government elected from opposition, instead of focusing on development, is embarrassing the state in the eyes of the world.
“Kano is appearing in the reports of international organisations like Amnesty International not for positive achievements, but for negative narratives of suppressing opposition. It is unfortunate,” he stated.
The movement therefore announced its total rejection of what it termed “fear-based politics” and warned against the misuse of state power to intimidate political opponents and ordinary citizens.
It further said; “Intimidation will not deter us. Harassment will not silence us. Arrests will not weaken our resolve. We will continue to speak against failure, amplify the voices of the people, and organise lawfully and democratically”.
Kurugu insisted that the people of Kano would ultimately express their will through democratic means, stressing that “Power belongs to the people, not to intimidation”.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement therefore called on authorities to uphold constitutional freedoms, respect human rights, and ensure that security agencies operate within the bounds of the law.
