DSS Detains Kano Officials Over Kwankwaso’s Defamation Petition, Releases Them After Interrogation
The Department of State Services has detained several Kano State Government officials following a petition filed by former governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over alleged defamation and cyberbullying.
The officials were invited by the DSS and questioned for about four hours before being released on self-recognition, a development that has drawn significant public attention amid rising political tensions in the state.
Those involved include Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House; Ibrahim Adam; Salisu Yahaya Hotoro; and Nuhu Dambazau.
The development followed a petition submitted by Kwankwaso under the platform of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, accusing the officials of engaging in coordinated online activities aimed at harassing and defaming him as well as members of his political camp.
According to the petition dated April 10, 2026, the accused individuals allegedly used social media platforms to undermine Kwankwaso’s reputation, further intensifying political exchanges in Kano State.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the officials’ release after a brief interrogation suggests that the matter remains under investigation, with no immediate findings announced by the DSS.
The incident comes against the backdrop of ongoing online confrontations between supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and backers of the Kano State Government, highlighting deepening political divisions within the state.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the Kano State Government has issued an official statement on the matter, leaving observers awaiting further developments as investigations continue.