The Kano State Government has strongly dismissed claims by Amnesty International that it is involved in suppressing freedom of expression, describing the allegations as false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya affirmed that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains fully committed to upholding fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.
The response was prompted by Amnesty International’s publication titled “Kano: Escalating Repression Endangers Freedom of Expression,” which accused the state government of orchestrating a pattern of arrests, detentions, and harassment of critics, allegedly carried out by security agencies at the government’s behest.
Waiya rejected the claims outright, insisting that the government has never instructed any security agency to target or intimidate individuals solely for expressing dissenting views.
“The administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is firmly committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of expression. At no time has the government directed any security agency to harass or intimidate any individual merely for expressing dissenting opinions,” he stated.
The commissioner clarified that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it is not absolute and does not extend to defamation, incitement to violence, hate speech, or the deliberate dissemination of false information capable of disrupting public peace and order.
He noted that security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), operate independently under their statutory mandates. Arrests or invitations are based on formal petitions, credible complaints, or evidence of offences such as cyberbullying, defamation, or incitement—not political directives from the state government.
Waiya emphasised that the Kano State Government does not control the operational decisions of federal security agencies but supports lawful efforts to combat cybercrime and protect individuals whose reputations are unfairly targeted.
He highlighted the administration’s pro-democratic initiatives, including participation in the Open Government Partnership, which promotes citizen engagement, transparency, and accountability in governance.
While acknowledging the importance of constructive criticism in a democracy, the commissioner stressed the need to distinguish between legitimate dissent and actions that cross legal boundaries.
“The Kano State Government 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,” Waiya concluded.
He urged organisations, commentators, and the public to verify facts and engage relevant authorities before drawing conclusions that could undermine public institutions or unnecessarily inflame tensions in the state.
