The Kwankwasiyya Movement has accused the Kano State Government of intimidating and harassing critics and opposition supporters in the state.
According to the movement, it will continue to seek legal redress over alleged violations of citizens’ rights.
The movement made the allegations in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed, while reacting to a report by Amnesty International on alleged arrests, detention and harassment of critics of the Kano government.
The movement said the report supported concerns it had previously raised about what it described as a shrinking democratic space in the state.
It alleged that several people had been affected by the reported 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 group also said Amnesty International had raised concerns over alleged threats against Zaidu Magaji.
The movement particularly expressed concern over the continued detention of Aiha K Nass, who it said had been arrested and brought 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 the condition had kept K Nass in detention because he had been unable to meet the requirements.
It questioned whether such bail conditions were proportionate, particularly for a citizen who remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The group also alleged that the circumstances surrounding K Nass’ arrest and prosecution were connected to his criticism of the government.
However, it said that if there were genuine criminal allegations against him or any other citizen, such cases should be determined through transparent and lawful judicial proceedings.
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 before the Sharia Court, Ungogo Division.
It said the decision to seek institutional intervention was aimed at obtaining a review of the matter through lawful channels.
“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.
It also warned that it would continue to use legal and constitutional avenues to challenge 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, the movement said it would rely on petitions, complaints, legal representation, judicial review and other remedies provided under Nigerian law.
It urged its members and supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while calling on the Kano State Government, security agencies and relevant institutions to respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and association.
The movement also called for an impartial review of cases involving people allegedly detained or prosecuted because of their political expression, including K Nass and others mentioned in the Amnesty International report.
It further urged the judiciary to protect 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 said.
Don’t provoke us into abandoning the path of law – Kwankwasiyya warns Kano govt