DSS interrogates Aides of Kano Governor over alleged cyberbullying petition by Kwankwaso
In the petition, the former Kano State governor accused the aides of orchestrating coordinated online harassment and defamation campaigns against him and key members of his political group.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has interrogated several media aides attached to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following allegations of cyberbullying and defamation raised by former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Those questioned include the Director General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa; Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam; Salisu Yahaya Hotoro; Nuhu Dambazau; and Mukhtar S. Yahuza. The aides were reportedly interrogated for several hours at the DSS headquarters in Kano.
Sources indicate that the officials honored an invitation from the DSS after a petition dated April 10, 2026, was submitted by Kwankwaso under the platform of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. In the petition, the former Kano State governor accused the aides of orchestrating coordinated online harassment and defamation campaigns against him and key members of his political group.
Kwankwaso alleged that the attacks, primarily carried out on social media platforms including Facebook, had intensified in recent weeks, raising concerns about rising political tension in the state. He further claimed that individuals within the Kano State Government were involved in sustained cyberbullying targeting his person and political associates.
The petition urged the DSS to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate action, warning that such activities could threaten peace and stability in Kano State.
Confirming the development, Dawakin-Tofa disclosed that he and three others were detained for about four hours before being granted bail on self-recognition. He added that the matter is expected to proceed to court.
The incident comes amid ongoing online confrontations between supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and those aligned with the Kano State Government. Observers note that social media exchanges between both camps have remained a persistent feature of the state’s political landscape.
In the petition, Kwankwaso accused the government officials of cyberbullying, online harassment targeting him and other prominent members of his political camp.
Kwankwaso, a former Governor, also accused several individuals in government of orchestrating coordinated defamatory campaigns on social media platforms, particularly Facebook.
According to the petition, April, 2026, Kwankwaso alleged that actions have intensified in recent times, raising concerns over the use of digital platforms to spread defamatory content and heighten political tension in Kano against his personality and his 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 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.
According to Dawakin-Tofa, “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 read.
However, political observers note that the development comes 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.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Government had not issued an official statement, although Dawakin-Tofa confirmed the interrogation via his verified social media account.
