Supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement have accused authorities in Kano State of political intimidation and unlawful detention of individuals who criticise the state government. The group said the arrests threaten freedom of expression and democratic participation in the state’s political space.

The allegations followed concerns earlier raised by Amnesty International about what it described as a disturbing pattern of harassment and detention linked to political criticism of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.

The development has intensified political rivalry between factions aligned with the governor and supporters of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whose Kwankwasiyya movement remains influential in Kano politics. Analysts say the dispute could shape political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

The state government has not publicly confirmed the allegations, but the controversy has already heightened political debate in Kano, with opposition voices demanding safeguards for civil liberties and transparent use of security agencies.