Tension In Kano As Kwankwasiyya Warns Government: Do Not Provoke Us

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has accused the Kano State Government of allegedly intimidating and harassing critics and supporters of the opposition, saying it will continue to pursue legal and constitutional avenues to address what it considers violations of citizens’ rights.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the movement made the allegations through its spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, following concerns raised by Amnesty International over alleged arrests, detention and intimidation of individuals critical of the Kano State Government. Amnesty International recently identified several people it said had been affected and also raised concerns over alleged threats against Zaidu Magaji.

Among those mentioned was Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, popularly known as Aiha K Nass, whose continued detention Amnesty International identified as a particular concern. The organisation also listed Murtala Muhammad Dawanau, Fatima Dayyabu, Maryam Usman, popularly known as Golden Queen, Muhammad Ahmad, Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama, Khadija Garba Kadnass, Ismail Hassan Hussain Lajin Dala and Isa Zanna Isa.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement expressed particular concern over the reported legal proceedings involving Aiha K Nass, claiming that an initial bail application was rejected before bail was later granted under conditions requiring the provision of two serving permanent secretaries and a Kano State Government employee as sureties.

The movement said it had petitioned the Chief Judge of Kano State and the Kano State Judicial Service Commission over the circumstances surrounding proceedings at the Sharia Court in Ungogo Division. It said the petitions were intended to seek institutional review of the matter through lawful channels.

Kwankwasiyya said it expected the relevant judicial institutions to consider the petition fairly and impartially and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing or procedural violations were established.

The movement also maintained that it would continue to rely on legal and constitutional mechanisms rather than resort to violence. It urged its supporters and members to remain peaceful while pursuing their grievances through established institutions.

“We will not respond to intimidation with violence. We will not encourage our members to take the law into their own hands,” the movement said.

It further called on the judiciary to safeguard its independence and ensure that citizens appearing before the courts receive fair and impartial treatment.

“Let nobody provoke us into abandoning the path of law. Our response will continue to be constitutional, peaceful and lawful,” the group added.

The allegations come amid a dispute over Amnesty International’s recent assessment of the situation in Kano. The Kano State Government has rejected the allegations, describing the human-rights organisation’s account as one-sided and misleading, while maintaining that citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of expression remains recognised.

The government has also maintained that security agencies act on petitions and allegations of offences and that individual cases should be assessed based on the allegations, applicable laws, evidence presented before the courts and decisions of competent judicial authorities.