Kano Information Commissioner Orders Arrest of Journalist Over Critical Report
The Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has sparked widespread condemnation after allegedly orchestrating the arrest of Buhari Abba, editor of Kano Times, over a published article critical of his office.
The arrest, which took place on February 24, 2025, followed the publication of an opinion piece titled “Dear Governor Yusuf, Beware of Kano Information Commissioner Ibrahim Waiya” on the newspaper’s website. The article reportedly raised concerns about the commissioner’s conduct and management of public information in the state.
In a strongly worded statement, Kano Times described the arrest as an attack on press freedom and democratic accountability. “This is not just a personal attack on our editor; it is an assault on every journalist and media house committed to truth and transparency,” the publication stated.
The newspaper called on Governor Abba Yusuf to intervene, warning that the commissioner’s actions portray the administration as intolerant of dissent. “No government official should weaponize state institutions to settle personal grievances,” the statement read. “Governor Yusuf must call Commissioner Waiya to order and reaffirm his commitment to free speech.”
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from media rights groups and civil society organizations, who view the arrest as an attempt to suppress investigative journalism. Critics argue that the commissioner’s actions contradict the democratic principles upon which Governor Yusuf’s administration was elected.
Kano Times has demanded the immediate release of its editor and the withdrawal of all charges, emphasizing that “the criminalization of journalism must not be allowed to stand.” The publication further warned that the governor’s silence on the matter would be interpreted as complicity in the suppression of press freedom.
As tensions escalate, observers are urging the Kano State government to address the growing concerns over media intimidation. The case highlights the broader challenges facing journalists in Nigeria, where press freedom remains under threat despite constitutional guarantees.
The Kano State government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrest. However, the incident has intensified calls for Governor Yusuf to demonstrate his commitment to democratic values by protecting journalists from political persecution.
This development raises critical questions about the state of press freedom in Kano and the willingness of the Yusuf administration to uphold its promises of transparency and accountability. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for media-government relations in Nigeria’s political landscape.
