THE Department of State Services (DSS) has detained and subsequently granted bail to some officials of the Kano State Government following a petition filed by former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over alleged cyberbullying, intimidation, and defamation on social media.
News Point Nigeria reports that the officials were invited and questioned by the DSS for about four hours before being released on self-recognition, signalling that investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
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 Senator Kwankwaso under the Kwankwasiyya Movement, accusing the officials of using social media platforms to harass and defame him and members of his political camp.
In the petition dated April 9 and 10, 2026, Kwankwaso alleged that the individuals some of whom are aides to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf were involved in coordinated online activities aimed at undermining his reputation.
The petition, addressed to the DSS Director in Kano and signed by Kwankwaso, specifically accused the officials of orchestrating sustained defamatory campaigns on platforms such as Facebook.
Also named in the petition are Mukhtar S. Yahuza and others said to be at large, alongside those already invited by the DSS.
Through his movement, Kwankwaso alleged that the individuals were engaged in persistent cyberbullying, online harassment, and smear campaigns against key figures within the Kwankwasiyya Movement, including Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Rufai Sani Hanga, and himself.
According to the petition dated Friday, April 10, 2026, the former governor said the activities had intensified in recent times, raising concerns over the use of digital platforms to spread defamatory content and heighten political tension in Kano.
“It has become evident that certain individuals allegedly occupying official positions within the Kano State Government are behind persistent cyberbullying and coordinated attacks against our leaders,” the petition stated.
Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), called on the DSS to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action, warning that such activities could undermine peace and political stability.
The brief detention and subsequent release of the officials have been interpreted by observers as an indication that the matter remains under investigation, with no immediate findings established against those involved.
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 had issued an official statement on the development.