Amnesty International condemns harassment of journalists in Kano, calls for press freedom

Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly criticized the reported harassment and intimidation of two journalists in Kano State, urging authorities to put an end to what it describes as a blatant attack on press freedom.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the human rights organization accused the Kano State Police Command of acting on the alleged orders of Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Waiya, to target Buhari Abba Rano, an online publisher, and Isma’il Auwal, a freelance journalist.

According to Amnesty International, Buhari Abba Rano, an online editor with Kano Times, was summoned by the Kano State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID) and detained for several hours. His detention, alongside reported threats against Isma’il Auwal, was linked to an opinion article published by Kano Times.

“These disturbing acts of intimidation are directly connected to an opinion article published by Kano Times. Plans to charge both journalists with defamation are unacceptable and demonstrate a complete disregard for freedom of expression, as well as an unlawful intolerance of dissenting voices,”; Amnesty International stated.

The organization further called on both the Kano State Government and the Nigerian police to uphold their obligations in protecting press freedom and fundamental human rights.

“The Kano State Government and the Nigeria Police must fulfill their responsibility to respect and facilitate the right to freedom of expression. Attempts to use law enforcement to silence Buhari Abba Rano and Isma’il Auwal must stop immediately, and their safety and rights must be guaranteed,”; Amnesty International demanded.

The case has sparked widespread concern among press freedom advocates, who warn that the misuse of law enforcement to suppress critical journalism poses a dangerous threat to media independence in Nigeria.

Rights groups continue to press authorities to create an environment where journalists can work without fear of persecution or retaliation.