Kwankwasiyya Movement alleges intimidation, misuse of security agencies in Kano
By Editor
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has condemned 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.
In a statement issued to the media, Mansur Umar Kurugu of the Kwankwasiyya Media Team said the trend represented a dangerous escalation in the suppression of dissenting voices in the state.
“Since the governor’s defection to the APC/Gandujiyya political structure, Kano has witnessed a disturbing rise in the use of security agencies to silence critics.
“This is unacceptable, politically intolerant, and reflects weakness rather than leadership,” Kurugu said.
He made reference to the recent concern raised by Amnesty International, which reportedly documented an alarming pattern of repression threatening freedom of expression in the state.
Among those allegedly targeted, according to the statement, were Abba Ibrahim Hussain, Aminu Warkal, Samir Hanga, Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda, and Saifullahi Abubakar, whose purported offences included criticising, commenting on, or satirising public officials.
“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 said.
He lamented what he described as a decline from Kano’s rich political heritage, invoking the legacy of notable leaders from the state.
“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,” Kurugu stated.
He added that the situation diminishes the state’s reputation and distracts from governance and development priorities.
“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 said.
Kurugu said that the movement rejected what it termed fear-based politics and warned against the misuse of state power to intimidate political opponents and ordinary citizens.
“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,” he said.
Kurugu added that the people of Kano would ultimately express their will through democratic means. “Power belongs to the people, not to intimidation,” he said.
“The Kwankwasiyya Movement called on authorities to uphold constitutional freedoms, respect human rights, and ensure that security agencies operate within the bounds of the law,” Kurugu said.
