By Ammar M. Rajab Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the reported harassment and intimidation of two journalists in Kano State, ...
By Ammar M. Rajab
Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the reported harassment and intimidation of two journalists in Kano State, calling for an end to what it describes as an assault on press freedom.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 25th March, 2025, Amnesty International criticised the Kano State Police Command for allegedly acting on the orders of the state’s Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Waiya, to target Buhari Abba Rano, an online publisher, and Isma’il Auwal, a freelance journalist.
According to the human rights organisation, Buhari Abba Rano, an online editor with Kano Times, was invited by the Kano State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID) and detained for hours. Amnesty International stated that his detention, along with threats against Isma’il Auwal, was linked to an opinion article published by Kano Times.
“These bizarre acts of intimidation are connected to an opinion article published by Kano Times. The plan to charge both journalists with defamation is unacceptable and shows utter disregard for freedom of expression and unlawful intolerance of dissenting voices,” Amnesty International declared in its statement.
The organization further urged both the Kano State Government and the Nigerian police to respect their obligations to uphold press freedom and human rights.
“Kano State Government and the Nigeria Police must uphold their obligation to respect and facilitate everyone’s right to freedom of expression. Attempts to use the police to punish Buhari Abba Rano and Isma’il Auwal must end, and their human rights and safety must be guaranteed,” Amnesty International asserted.
The case has raised concerns among press freedom advocates, who argue that using law enforcement to silence journalists sets a dangerous precedent for media independence in Nigeria.
Rights groups continue to call on authorities to ensure that journalists can operate without fear of persecution or reprisals.
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