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.

The controversy surrounding an alleged altercation between a Kano State government aide and a journalist during the Argungu Motor Rally has taken a new turn, as the journalist insists that legal action may be the only option if no formal communication or apology is issued.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Race Course in Kano metropolis during the Argungu Motor Rally, an event organized as part of activities marking the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival.

The government official involved who was identified as Abdullahi Sani Rogo, a Senior Special Reporter with the Kano State Government, while the journalist at the center of the dispute is Abdulbaki Ali Ahmed Sharifai, who was covering the event in his professional capacity.

According to eyewitnesses, the alleged verbal exchange took place shortly after journalists including Mr. Sharifai conducted an interview at the venue.

The incident occurred in the presence of senior officials, including, comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji Rano, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism as well as Alhaji Abba El-Mustapha, Chairman of the Kano State Censorship Board.

Following the incident, Mr. Sharifai proceeded to the Divisional Police Office in Bompai, headquarters of the Kano State Police Command, where he filed a formal complaint.

However, Rogo declined to honor police invitation and using Kano state government house as shield from arrest.

Subsequently, Commissioner Waiya reportedly invited the journalist for dialogue and assured him that he would intervene in the matter and ensure that Mr. Rogo offers an apology to resolve the issue amicably.

However, as of the time of filing this report, no official apology or formal communication has been issued by Mr. Rogo, the Kano State Government, or the Office of Special Advisers to the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Sources close to Mr. Sharifai revealed that he believes pursuing legal action may be the most appropriate course if the matter remains unaddressed formally.

The journalist reportedly maintains that he was carrying out his lawful professional duties at the time of the alleged insult and deserves institutional response and redress.

According to the source, Mr. Sharifai holds that without proper communication from the concerned government official, the Kano State Government, or the office of the governor’s special advisers, seeking remedy in a court of law remains the best available option to protect his rights and professional integrity.

The incident has generated conversations within media circles regarding respect for journalists, professionalism at public events.

As of press time, neither Mr. Rogo nor the Kano State Government has released an official public statement on the matter.

The situation remains under close observation as stakeholders await further developments, including whether reconciliation efforts will prevail or the matter will proceed to litigation.

Another Journalist with Hikima Radio Mubarak Auwal Unguwa Uku narrated his ordeal in the hand of Auwal Sani Rogo where he threaten him to cut off a live programme on the day Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was received in the All Progressives Congress at Sani Abacha Stadium.

Mubarak Auwal Unguwa Uku said this was how the Government official intimidated him

“He said I had to cut the live broadcast because there was a fight between security officers and the Chairman of Danbatta Local Government. The chairman removed his flowing gown and started brawling with the security officers because they stopped him from entering the VIP section.

So I said, if he is ignorant, let him ask how journalism works their quarrel should not force me to stop my work.

He tried to grab me and continued hurling insults. I kept my composure and ignored him. ”

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.