Alleged defamation: DSS detains, releases Kano govt officials over Kwankwaso’s petition

By Bashir Bello

The Department of State Services (DSS) has granted bail to some officials of the Kano State Government following a petition filed by former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, over alleged cyberbullying and defamation on social media.

The officials were invited and detained by the DSS who questioned them for about four hours before they were later released on self-recognition.

Those involved include Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano; Ibrahim Adam, Special Adviser to the Governor on Information; Salisu Yahaya Hotoro, APC Youth Leader in Kano; and Nuhu Dambazau, Senior Special Reporter at the Government House.

The development followed a petition submitted by Sen. Kwankwaso under the Kwankwasiyya Movement, accusing the officials of using social media platforms to harass and defame him and some members of his political camp.

In the petition dated April 10, 2026, Kwankwaso alleged that the officials engaged in coordinated online activities aimed at undermining his reputation.

The petition reads, “We write to formally petition your esteemed office regarding the persistent cyberbullying, online harassment, and coordinated defamatory attacks directed against Senator Rabilu Musa Kwankwaso, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo. Senator Rufai Sani Hanga. Muhammad Samir Hanga and other members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement on various social media platforms, particularly Facebook.

“It has become evident that certain individuals allegedly occupying official positions within the Kano State Government including the Spokesman of the Executive Governor of Kano State SSA Social media.”

However, the release of the officials after a brief interrogation has been interpreted by observers as an indication that the matter is still under investigation, with no immediate findings against them.

The development comes amid ongoing political exchanges on social media between supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and backers of the Kano State Government.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the Kano State Government has issued an official statement on the matter.