From Left: Buhari Abba, the publisher of Kano Times, and Ismail Awwal, a journalist from Sahelian Times By Ammar M. Rajab The Kano State ...
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| From Left: Buhari Abba, the publisher of Kano Times, and Ismail Awwal, a journalist from Sahelian Times |
By Ammar M. Rajab
The Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waya, has ordered the arrest of two journalists—Buhari Abba, the publisher and Managing Editor of Kano Times, and Isma'il Awwal, a journalist with Sahelian Times—over an opinion piece published on multiple media platforms on February 24, 2025. The article, titled "Dear Governor Abba Kabir, Beware of Waiya", was authored by Isma'il Auwal.
The Commissioner reportedly used officers from the Kano State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to arrest and detain the two journalists. According to Daily Struggle, the journalists were initially invited by the police on Saturday, March 22, 2025. They were detained on Monday, March 24, when their statements were taken before being released on bail, with instructions to return the following morning.
Sources revealed that Buhari Abba was pressured by the police to disclose the identity of the author of the opinion piece and was further instructed to lead them to the author’s address.
In response, many social media users have launched a campaign for the journalists’ release, using the hashtags #FreeBuhari and #FreeIsmail, urging authorities to respect press freedom and cease media repression.
The Association of Kano Online Journalists (ASKOJ) has condemned the prosecution of its member, Buhari Abba. In a statement signed and released by ASKOJ Chairman Yakubu Salisu on Tuesday, the association demanded an immediate halt to the suppression of press freedom and any further attempts to use law enforcement agencies against journalists.
“Security institutions must uphold the rule of law and reject being used as tools for censorship and oppression,” the statement read.
This incident follows a previous move by the Kano State Government in October 2024, when it dismissed 14 members of the press crew covering the Government House from their duties.
Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, directed the affected journalists to report back to their respective offices and instructed media organizations to provide replacements.
Although no official reason was provided for the withdrawal of their accreditation, a message posted on the Government House press crew’s WhatsApp group by Bature emphasised the directive was to be implemented immediately.
Those affected included Aliyu Yusuf, Director of Public Enlightenment, Government House; Sani Suraj Abubakar, Public Relations Officer; and Adamu Dabo, Chairman of the crew and correspondent for Pyramid Radio (FRCN). Others included Naziru Yau (ARTV), Sadiq Sani AA (ARTV cameraman), Rabiu Sunusi (Triumph), Umar Sheka (Freedom Radio), Jabir Dan’abba (Nasara Radio), Labara Sound (Simon AIT Cameraman), Nasiru Danhaki (NTA), Abdullahi Sule (crew driver), Murtala Baba Kusa (Express Radio), and Ibrahim Muazzam (Radio Kano).
The unfolding developments have raised concerns about press freedom in Kano State, prompting calls from media organisations and advocacy groups for the government to respect journalists' rights and refrain from using law enforcement agencies as tools for intimidation.
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