The growing rift between the Kano State Government and the Kwankwasiyya movement took a new turn after security operatives invited and questioned top government aides over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation linked to former governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
- +Kano rift deepens as DSS quizzes govt aides over Kwankwaso’s petition
The Department of State Services (DSS) recently quizzed and released several officials serving under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in a move that underscores escalating tensions between the two political camps.
The Department of State Services (DSS) recently quizzed and released several officials serving under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in a move that underscores escalating tensions between the two political camps.
The officials, said to be close associates within the Kano Government House, were reportedly detained for about four hours before being granted bail on self-recognition, indicating that investigations are still ongoing.
Those invited by the DSS include Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director-General, Media and Publicity; Ibrahim Adam, Special Adviser on Information; Salisu Yahaya Hotoro, APC Youth Leader in Kano; and Nuhu Dambazau, a Senior Special Reporter.
The development followed a petition filed by Kwankwaso under the Kwankwasiyya Movement, accusing the officials and others of orchestrating coordinated smear campaigns against him and key figures in his political camp via social media platforms.
In the petition dated April 10, 2026, the former NNPP presidential candidate alleged sustained cyberbullying, online harassment and reputational attacks targeting him and his allies, including Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and Rufai Sani Hanga. He further claimed that some individuals holding government positions were behind the alleged digital attacks, which he said had intensified in recent times.
Kwankwaso warned that the trend could heighten political tension in Kano and undermine public order if not addressed, urging the DSS to investigate and take appropriate action.
Political observers say the incident reflects a deepening fracture between the Kwankwasiyya movement and the state government, with both sides increasingly resorting to public and digital confrontations to assert influence. As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the Kano State Government has issued an official statement on the interrogation and release of the officials.
