DSS Interrogates Five Kano Media Aides Over Kwankwaso's Cyberbullying Petition
The Department of State Service (DSS) conducted a thorough interrogation of five media aides to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Saturday, following a formal petition filed by former presidential candidate and New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The petition specifically alleges cyberbullying, online harassment, and coordinated defamation campaigns targeting Kwankwaso and prominent members of his political movement.
Details of the Interrogation and Petition
The five aides subjected to questioning at the DSS headquarters in Kano include Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the Director General of Media and Publicity for 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 credible sources, the aides voluntarily reported to the secret police upon receiving an invitation linked to the petition.
The petition, dated April 10, 2026, was submitted under the platform of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and addressed to the DSS Director in Kano State. It was personally signed by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who recently decamped to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In the document, Kwankwaso accuses certain individuals within the Kano State Government of orchestrating persistent cyberbullying and coordinated attacks on social media platforms, particularly Facebook.
The petition states: "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." Kwankwaso further warned that such activities could undermine peace and political stability in the state, urging the DSS to investigate and take appropriate action.
Release on Bail and Political Context
Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa confirmed the development on his verified social media page, noting that he and three others—Salisu Yahaya Hotoro, Ibrahim Adam, and Hon. Nuhu Dambazau—were released on bail based on self-recognition after four hours in custody. Dawakin-Tofa stated, "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."
Political observers highlight that this incident occurs amid a long-running social media rivalry between supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and backers of the Kano State Government. Online confrontations have been a recurring feature, with government officials often facing sustained criticism from opposition supporters. While there was no official statement from the Kano State Government regarding the interrogation, Dawakin-Tofa's confirmation underscores the ongoing tensions.
The interrogation underscores the escalating use of digital platforms for political attacks in Nigeria, raising concerns about cyberbullying and its impact on public discourse. As the case potentially moves to court, it highlights the broader issues of online harassment and defamation in the political landscape, particularly in volatile regions like Kano.
