Kwankwasiyya Movement to Seek Legal Redress Over Alleged Harassment of Critics in Kano
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has announced plans to seek legal and institutional remedies over what it describes as the arrest, detention, intimidation and harassment of people who criticise the Kano State Government.
In a statement, the movement's spokesperson, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed, said the group was also commending Amnesty International for drawing attention to what it called a shrinking democratic space in the state.
The movement alleged that some of its members and supporters had been arrested and intimidated because of their political opinions and their criticism of the government.
Those said to be affected include Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, who is widely known as Aiha K Nass; Murtala Muhammad Dawanau; Fatima Dayyabu; Maryam Usman, also called Golden Queen; Muhammad Ahmad; Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama; Khadija Garba Kadnass; Ismail Hassan Hussain Lajin Dala; and Isa Zanna Isa.
The group added that Amnesty International had raised concerns about alleged threats and intimidation directed at Zaidu Magaji.
Particular worry was expressed about the continued detention of Aiha K Nass, who the movement said has been in custody since August.
According to the statement, Nass was arrested and taken before the Shari'a Court, Ungogo Division, where his first request for bail was turned down. Bail was later granted, but with conditions attached.
The movement claimed that one of those conditions required two serving permanent secretaries and a state government employee to serve as sureties. Because Nass could not meet those terms, he has remained in detention, the group said.
The development, according to the movement, raises questions about access to bail and whether the conditions imposed on a citizen who is presumed innocent until proven guilty are proportionate.
Mohammed said the movement had written a petition to the Chief Judge of Kano State and the Kano State Judicial Service Commission regarding the conduct and circumstances of the proceedings. The aim, he said, was to seek a 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 keep using petitions, complaints, legal representation, judicial review and other constitutional means to defend the rights of its members and other citizens.
The group called on the state government, security agencies and relevant institutions to respect citizens' rights to freedom of expression and association.
It also urged an impartial review of cases involving people allegedly detained or prosecuted over political expression, including Nass's case.
The movement further asked the judiciary to safeguard its independence and to ensure fair treatment for all citizens who appear 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.
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