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The Kano State Government has rejected allegations by Amnesty International that it is involved in suppressing freedom of expression, describing the claims as false, misleading, and unfounded.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to protecting fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression as guaranteed by Nigeria’s constitution.
The response followed a publication by Amnesty International titled “Kano: Escalating Repression Endangers Freedom of Expression,” which alleged a pattern of arrests, detention, and harassment of individuals for criticizing the governor, allegedly carried out by security agencies at the instance of the state government.
Waiya dismissed the allegations, insisting that the government had never directed any security agency to target or intimidate individuals for expressing dissenting opinions.
“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 said.
The commissioner, however, noted that while freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed, it does not extend to acts such as defamation, incitement, hate speech, or the deliberate spread of false information capable of disrupting public peace.
He explained that security agencies, including the Department of State Services, operate independently within their statutory mandates, and that arrests or invitations are based on petitions, complaints, or credible allegations of offences such as cyberbullying, defamation, or incitement.
Waiya added that the Kano State Government does not control the operational decisions of federal security agencies but supports efforts to address cybercrime and protect individuals whose reputations are the target.
The commissioner also emphasized that the state government has promoted civic engagement and media freedom through initiatives such as the Open Government Partnership, which encourages citizen participation in governance.
He reiterated that while constructive criticism remains essential to democratic development, there is a legal boundary between legitimate criticism and actions that constitute defamation or incitement.
“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 stated.
He called on organizations and commentators to verify facts and engage relevant authorities before making conclusions that could undermine public institutions or create unnecessary tension.
Kano Gov’t rejects Amnesty International’s allegations of repression, rights violation
