The Department of State Services (DSS) has released four aides of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, after detaining them for about four hours over a petition filed by the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Among those detained was the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who confirmed the development in a Facebook post. He said he was held alongside Salisu Yahaya Hotoro, Ibrahim Adam, and Nuhu Dambazau before they were granted bail on self-recognition by the DSS Kano command.
Dawakin Tofa disclosed that the case is expected to proceed to court, with their arraignment scheduled for Tuesday. He alleged that his inclusion in the petition was partly linked to a song he commissioned from Dauda Kahutu Rarara, which reportedly contained veiled remarks directed at Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
While acknowledging that he initially did not grasp the gravity of the situation, the spokesperson expressed willingness to meet Kwankwaso personally and offer an apology before the court hearing.
Despite claims by the Kwankwasiyya Movement that it initiated the petition, Dawakin Tofa insisted that Kwankwaso himself was directly responsible for the action against them.
Also reacting, Salisu Hotoro, identified as a Kano APC youths leader and one of the detained aides, suggested that they were being singled out despite widespread online attacks involving multiple parties. He further alleged that members of the movement had also engaged in cyberbullying against them.
The petition accused the aides of cybercrime, intimidation, and defamation targeting key figures within the movement. Those reportedly affected include Kwankwaso, former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, and his son, Muhammad Samir Hanga.
The development reflects a deepening rift between Governor Yusuf and his former political ally, Kwankwaso, with supporters on both sides increasingly engaged in online confrontations and accusations.
