Kano State Government has dismissed allegations by Amnesty International that it is orchestrating a clampdown on freedom of expression in the state.
Amnesty International, in a publication titled “Kano: Escalating Repression Endangers Freedom of Expression,” alleged a pattern of arrests, detention, and harassment of individuals for criticizing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, purportedly at the instance of the state government.
Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described the allegations as “misleading, unfounded, and a gross misrepresentation of facts.”
In the statement, the government maintained that the administration of Governor Yusuf remains firmly committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It stressed that at no time had the government directed any security agency to target, harass, or intimidate individuals for expressing dissenting views.
While acknowledging that freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed, the government emphasized that the right is not absolute.
It noted that offences such as libel, slander, defamation, hate speech, incitement, cyberbullying, and deliberate misinformation fall outside the boundaries of protected speech.
The statement read: “No democratic society permits the weaponization of social media to spread malicious falsehoods, character assassination, or content capable of breaching public peace under the guise of free expression.”
The government further clarified that security agencies, including the Department of State Services, operate within their statutory mandates.
According to the statement, invitations or arrests by security operatives are based on petitions, complaints, or credible allegations of wrongdoing, particularly in cases involving cybercrime and defamation.
It added that the Kano State Government does not control or micromanage federal security agencies but supports lawful measures aimed at curbing cyberbullying, defamation, and other forms of digital misconduct.
The statement also expressed concern over what it described as the misuse of social media platforms by some individuals who, under the guise of civic engagement, engage in deliberate misinformation and personal attacks that go beyond constructive criticism.
Highlighting its democratic credentials, the government said the state has been recognized as media- and civil society-friendly, pointing to its participation in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiative, which promotes transparency and citizen engagement in governance.
The administration further noted that opposition members had benefited from government magnanimity, including the payment of gratuities and other entitlements, describing it as unprecedented in the state’s history.
The government reiterated that it does not target social media influencers or political opponents and urged organizations and commentators to verify facts thoroughly before concluding capable of creating tension or undermining institutions.
“Kano State Government remains committed to democratic values, the rule of law, and peaceful coexistence. While citizens are free to express their opinions, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the ambit of the law,” the statement added.
