Amnesty International has condemned the increasing and unlawful clampdown on freedom of expression in Kano State.
The human rights organisation lamented that critics of the government of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf face arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, threats, intimidation and harassment solely for exercising the right to freedom of expression.
According to Amnesty, in almost all cases, the victims of this pattern of abuse of power were either arrested or invited, particularly by security agencies. It said some were hurriedly put through sham trials based on bogus charges and sentenced hurriedly.
Amnesty said supporters of opposition political parties are particularly bizarrely targeted for their social media posts.
"This 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 case of Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa Aiha K Nass is deeply worrying as he has remained in detention since August. Also still in arbitrary detention is Alhaji Murtala Muhammad Dawanau, simply for a comment on a Facebook post. Fatima Dayyabu was arbitrarily arrested, arraigned and fined for criticism. Other victims of this abuse of power are: Maryam Usman (Golden Queen), Muhammad Ahmad, Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama, Khadija Garba Kadnass, Ismail Hassan Hussain Lajin Dala, and Isa Zanna Isa. Zaidu Magaji was subjected to outrageous threats and intimidation," the organisation said.
Amnesty said the arrests are indicative of the constant harassment of opposition politicians and their supporters, and severe stifling of freedom of expression in Kano State.
It said security agencies are increasingly being used to harass and intimidate persons who criticise the governor.
"It is perfectly within the right of the people to criticise the President or a governor. No one is above criticism, no matter his status. Arresting critics is unacceptable in a free society.
"The right to freedom of expression of young Nigerians is under attack. It is unacceptable that youth are facing the risk of arrest and detention simply for expressing critical opinions online. The government of Kano State and security agencies must urgently respect people’s rights to freedom of expression and association," Amnesty said.
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