By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the scheduled arraignment of Nasir el-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, until April 23.

Mr. el-Rufai is facing a three-count charge brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) related to the alleged unlawful interception of a telephone conversation. The charges stem from comments the former governor made during a television interview.

The court had initially set Wednesday, February 25, for his arraignment. However, during Wednesday’s proceedings, Mr. el-Rufai was not produced in court.

Oluwole Aladedoyin, counsel for the prosecution, informed the court that the former governor is currently being detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in connection with a separate matter.

“Unfortunately, the defendant is with the ICPC, and I do not know how far the investigation with the ICPC has gone,” Mr. Aladedoyin explained to the court.

The charges against the former governor pertain to an alleged breach of the Cybercrimes Act.

Amnesty International has raised alarm over what it describes as a disturbing pattern of arrests, detentions, and harassment of individuals who have criticized Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The organization says the growing repression is creating a toxic climate of fear and eroding fundamental rights to freedom of expression.

In a statement, Amnesty International noted that in nearly all documented cases, victims were either arrested outright or “invited” by the Department of State Services (DSS), a tactic the group says is increasingly being used to silence dissent.

Documented Cases of Intimidation
Amnesty International outlined several recent incidents that highlight what it calls abuse of power and manipulation of law enforcement:

– Abba Ibrahim Hussain, a law student at Northwest University, was abducted by armed DSS personnel at his Kano residence after criticizing the governor. He remains in detention and risks missing ongoing examinations.
– Aminu Warkal, a social media influencer, was detained for five hours over allegations of “cyberbullying the governor.”
– Samir Hanga was summoned under the guise of an “invitation” by the DSS after posting critical commentary. He was released only after questioning aimed at silencing him.
– Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda was arrested two weeks ago and reportedly coerced into withdrawing his criticism of Governor Yusuf.
– Saifullahi Abubakar was unlawfully detained for producing a TikTok skit satirizing the governor. Amnesty emphasized that satire is not a crime.

The organization condemned the use of the DSS as a tool of intimidation, stressing that criticism of public officials is a legitimate exercise of free speech. “No one is above criticism, no matter his status. Arresting critics is unacceptable in a free society,” Amnesty stated.

Nigeria has witnessed a surge in citizens using social media to express opinions on governance and politics. However, Amnesty warns that in Kano State, such expression increasingly carries the risk of reprisals, including intimidation, arrests, and detention.

The group urged Nigerian authorities to respect, protect, and promote the right to freedom of expression, calling on the government to end the misuse of security agencies against critics.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu has officially sacked Kayode Egbetokun from his position as Inspector General of Police. The announcement was confirmed by senior police officials and sources within the Police Service Commission

Tunji Disu, currently the Assistant Inspector General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, has been named as Egbetokun’s successor.

A source revealed, “Egbetokun was at the Presidential Villa yesterday and was instructed to prepare his handover notes. He has likely done so already and will hand over to Tunji Disu.” The source further described Egbetokun as “incompetent and power-drunk,” with many scandals marking his tenure. The President reportedly advised him to step down and focus on treatment for kidney-related health issues.

The decision to remove Egbetokun has reportedly been met with widespread approval among police officers. “Police officers jubilated when the news broke on Monday. Although the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, reportedly wanted him to remain, the President was resolute on the matter,” a source added.

Egbetokun’s time as IGP was marred by controversy, including his extended stay beyond the mandatory retirement age and years of service, sparking debates over violations of police service regulations. Allegations of nepotism and favoritism also dogged his tenure, with investigations highlighting rapid and questionable promotions within his close circle, particularly involving Bukola Yemisi Kuti, his Principal Staff Officer, who critics claim had a personal relationship with him.

Further controversy arose from reports linking ₦100 million from Anambra State’s security vote to Victor, Egbetokun’s son. Critics raised alarms about the possible diversion of state funds for private benefit, allegations that were met with aggressive legal actions by police authorities against journalists and activists who reported on these issues.