Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has formally alleged several individuals including aides of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of cyberbullying, intimidation, and defamation.
The former New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP presidential candidate, under the Kwankwasiyya movement in a petition filed, signed and submitted to the Department of State Services, DSS, Director in the state alleged that certain individuals orchestrated coordinated defamatory campaigns against him and other key figures within his political camp, particularly on Facebook.
Aides named in alleged online campaign
Those listed in the petition to the DSS include Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to the governor; Salisu Yahaya Hotoro; Ibrahim Adam, Special Adviser on Information and a former media aide to Kwankwaso; Nuhu Dambazau; and Mukhtar S. Yahuza, among others reportedly at large.
According to the petition, the accused persons are allegedly behind sustained cyberbullying, online harassment, and smear campaigns targeting prominent members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, including Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and Rufai Sani Hanga.
Kwankwaso stated in the petition that the alleged actions have intensified in recent times, raising concerns about the misuse of digital platforms to spread defamatory content and escalate political tension in Kano.
“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.
Rising political tension, calls for DSS probe
The petition further urged the security agency to launch a thorough investigation and take necessary action, warning that unchecked cyberbullying could undermine peace and political stability in the state.
Observers, however, note that the development reflects a long-standing online rivalry between supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and backers of the Kano State Government.
Social media confrontations have remained frequent, with both camps often accusing each other of coordinated attacks and misinformation.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the Kano State Government has issued an official response to the petition.
