The Kano State government has rejected allegations by Amnesty International that it is behind arrests and harassment of critics of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The rights group claimed the Department of State Services has targeted citizens for expressing dissenting views.
In a statement signed by Commissioner for Information Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government described the report as misleading and a misrepresentation of facts. It said while it supports freedom of expression, the right is not absolute and does not cover libel, slander, hate speech, incitement, or deliberate misinformation.
The statement emphasised that security agencies act within statutory mandates and any arrests or invitations are based on credible allegations of wrongdoing such as cybercrime or defamation. The government said it does not control federal security agencies but supports efforts to protect public order and the dignity of citizens.
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Highlighting its record, the government said Kano has been one of the most media- and civil society–friendly states, citing initiatives like the Open Government Partnership. It stressed that citizens are free to express opinions but warned that criticism must not cross into defamation or incitement.
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