Kwankwasiyya Movement Vows Legal Action Over Alleged Clampdown on Critics

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has vowed to pursue legal and institutional remedies against what it described as the alleged arrest, detention, intimidation and harassment of critics of the Kano State Government.

The spokesperson for the movement, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed, stated this in a statement while commending Amnesty International for raising concerns over alleged shrinking of democratic space in the state.

The movement alleged that some of its members and supporters had been subjected to arrest and intimidation because of their political views and criticism of the government.

It listed those allegedly affected to include 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 raised concerns over alleged threats and intimidation against Zaidu Magaji.

The movement expressed particular concern over the continued detention of Aiha K Nass, who it said had been in custody since August.

According to the statement, Nass was arrested and brought before the Shari’a Court, Ungogo Division, where his initial application for bail was refused before bail was subsequently granted subject to conditions.

The movement claimed that one of the bail conditions required two serving permanent secretaries and an employee of the state government to stand as sureties, leaving Nass in detention because he had been unable to meet the conditions.

It said the development raised questions about access to bail and the proportionality of bail conditions imposed on a citizen presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The spokesperson said the movement had petitioned the Chief Judge of Kano State and the Kano State Judicial Service Commission over the conduct and circumstances surrounding the proceedings.

He said the petition was aimed at seeking review and accountability through lawful institutions.

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

He added that the movement would continue to use petitions, complaints, legal representation, judicial review and other constitutional remedies to defend the rights of its members and other citizens.

The group urged the state government, security agencies and relevant institutions to respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and association.

It also called for an impartial review of cases involving persons allegedly detained or prosecuted in connection with political expression, including that of Nass.

The movement further urged the judiciary to protect its independence and ensure fair treatment for all 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 statement added.