The Kwankwasiyya Movement has raised serious concerns about a growing wave of political intimidation and unlawful detention in Kano State, alleging that security agencies are being deployed to silence critics and restrict citizens’ constitutional rights to free expression.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Mansur Umar Kurugu, the group stated that the trend became more pronounced following the governor’s reported defection to the APC/Gandujiyya political bloc, describing the development as a threat to democratic culture in the state.

Kurugu alleged that several individuals — including Abba Ibrahim Hussain, Aminu Warkal, Samir Hanga, Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda and Saifullahi Abubakar — were targeted for arrest or harassment over comments and satire directed at public officials.

According to Kurugu, “the weaponisation of security institutions against citizens undermines democracy and erodes public trust,” stressing that criticism of those in power should not be criminalised in a democratic society.

The movement also referenced concerns it said were raised by Amnesty International regarding what it described as a pattern of repression in the state.

Lamenting what it termed a departure from Kano’s political tradition, the group invoked the legacies of Aminu Kano, Abubakar Rimi, Muhammadu Sabo Bakin Zuwo and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stating that the state had historically thrived on ideological contestation rather than coercion.

“It is unfortunate that Kano is gaining international attention for alleged suppression of opposition rather than for developmental strides,” Kurugu said, adding that governance should take precedence over political conflict.

The movement maintained that it would continue to operate through lawful and democratic means, insisting that intimidation would not silence its members.

It also called on authorities to respect constitutional freedoms, uphold human rights and ensure that security agencies operate strictly within the law.

As of the time of filing this report on 2026-02-26T05:48:35.000Z, the Kano State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.