DSS Interrogates Governor Yusuf's Media Aides Over Kwankwaso's Cyberbullying Petition
The Department of State Service (DSS) on Saturday conducted extensive interrogations of five media aides to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. This action followed a formal petition alleging cyberbullying and defamation of character filed by former presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Details of the Interrogation
The affected aides, who voluntarily reported to the DSS headquarters in Kano upon invitation, included Director General of Media and Publicity Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Salisu Yahaya Hotoro, Ibrahim Adam, Nuhu Dambazau, and Mukhtar S. Yahuza. They were subjected to several hours of questioning by secret service operatives.
According to credible sources, the petition was dated April 10, 2026, and was submitted under the platform of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. Senator Kwankwaso, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), personally signed the document addressed to the DSS Director in Kano State.
Allegations in the Petition
In his petition, Kwankwaso accused the government officials of engaging in coordinated cyberbullying and online harassment targeting him and other prominent members of his political camp. The former governor specifically alleged that individuals within the Kano State Government were orchestrating defamatory campaigns on social media platforms, particularly Facebook.
"It has become evident that certain individuals allegedly occupying official positions within the Kano State Government are behind persistent cyberbullying and coordinated attacks against our leaders," the petition stated. Kwankwaso warned that such activities could undermine peace and political stability in the state.
Release on Bail and Political Context
Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa confirmed that he and three other aides were released on bail based on self-recognition after four hours in DSS custody. "We were under the custody of the DSS for four hours and finally released on bail based on self-recognition. Sen. Kwankwaso is set to present the matter before the court," Dawakin-Tofa stated.
Political observers note that this development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing social media rivalry between supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and backers of the Kano State Government. Online confrontations have become a recurring feature, with government officials frequently facing sustained criticism from opposition supporters.
While there has been no official statement from the Kano State Government regarding the incident, Dawakin-Tofa confirmed the development through his verified social media page. The case highlights the increasing intersection of digital platforms and political conflicts in Nigeria's evolving political landscape.
