The Kwankwasiyya Movement has accused the Kano State Government of using intimidation and harassment against critics and supporters of the opposition, saying it will continue to pursue legal means to challenge alleged violations of citizens’ rights.
The group made the allegation in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed, following an Amnesty International report on the alleged arrest, detention and harassment of individuals critical of the Kano government.
According to the movement, the report reinforced its earlier concerns over what it described as the shrinking of democratic space in the state.
It listed several individuals it said had been affected by alleged arrests and intimidation, including Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, popularly known as Aiha K Nass; Murtala Muhammad Dawanau; Fatima Dayyabu; Maryam Usman, also known as Golden Queen; Muhammad Ahmad; Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama; Khadija Garba Kadnass; Ismail Hassan Hussain Lajin Dala; and Isa Zanna Isa.
The movement added that Amnesty International had also expressed concern over alleged threats against Zaidu Magaji.
Particular attention was drawn to the continued detention of Aiha K Nass, whom the group said was arrested and subsequently arraigned before a Sharia court.
“The initial bail application was refused but was later granted under stringent conditions, including a requirement to provide two serving permanent secretaries and a Kano State Government employee as sureties,” the group said.
The movement said K Nass remained in custody because he had been unable to satisfy the bail requirements, questioning whether the conditions were proportionate given that he remained presumed innocent until proven guilty.
It further alleged that his arrest and prosecution were linked to his criticism of the state government. However, the group maintained that any legitimate criminal allegations against K Nass or other citizens should be resolved through transparent judicial proceedings.
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The Kwankwasiyya Movement said it had petitioned the Chief Judge of Kano State and the Kano State Judicial Service Commission over the conduct and circumstances of proceedings at the Sharia Court, Ungogo Division.
It explained that the petitions were intended to secure institutional intervention and a lawful review of the matter.
“We expect the petition to receive fair and impartial consideration, with appropriate action taken if any wrongdoing or procedural violation is established,” the movement said.
The group also said it would continue to pursue constitutional and legal remedies over what it considers violations of the rights of its members and other citizens.
“We will not respond to intimidation with violence. We will not encourage our members to take the law into their own hands,” the statement said.
Instead, it said it would rely on petitions, complaints, legal representation, judicial review and other remedies available under Nigerian law.
The movement urged its members and supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while calling on the Kano State Government, security agencies and relevant institutions to uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and association.
It also demanded an impartial review of cases involving individuals allegedly detained or prosecuted over their political expression, including K Nass and others referenced in the Amnesty International report.
The group further urged the judiciary to safeguard its independence and ensure fair and impartial treatment for citizens appearing before the courts.
“Let nobody provoke us into abandoning the path of law. Our response will continue to be constitutional, peaceful and lawful,” the group said.