DSS Releases Five Kano Government Aides Over Kwankwaso's Cyberbullying Petition
The Department of State Service (DSS) on Saturday evening granted bail to five media aides of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who were detained over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation of character. The officials were released after a thorough interrogation stemming from a petition initiated by former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Details of the Released Aides
The aides include Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Director General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House; Salisu Yahaya Hotoro; Ibrahim Adam, Special Adviser on Information and a former media aide to Kwankwaso; Nuhu Dambazau; and Mukhtar S. Yahuza. According to a credible source, the affected aides voluntarily reported to the secret police upon invitation following the petition filed by the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Kwankwaso's Allegations in the Petition
The petition, dated April 10, 2026, and addressed to the DSS Director, accused the government officials of cyberbullying and online harassment targeting Kwankwaso and other prominent members of his political camp. Kwankwaso, a former governor, alleged that these actions have intensified recently, raising concerns over the use of digital platforms to spread defamatory content and heighten political tension in Kano against his personality and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
"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 partly read. Kwankwaso, who recently decamped to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urged the DSS to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action, warning that such activities could undermine peace and political stability.
Confirmation and Response from the Aides
Confirming the development, Governor Yusuf's spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, stated, "My humble self along with three others (namely) Salisu Yahaya Hotoro, Ibrahim Adam, and Hon. Nuhu Dambazau are released on bail by the DSS Kano State Command over a petition filed by Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on alleged cyber crimes, intimidation, and defamation of his character. 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 shared this update on his social media page.
Political Context and Observers' Views
Political observers note that this development occurs amid a long-running social media rivalry between supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and backers of the Kano State Government. They argue that online confrontations have been a recurring feature on both sides, with government officials often being targets of sustained criticism from opposition supporters. The release of the aides follows their interrogation over the petition initiated by Kwankwaso, highlighting ongoing tensions in Kano's political landscape.
