DSS grills Kano gov’s media aide, others over alleged cyberbullying, intimidation

From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

The Department of State Services has invited the Director General, Media and Publicity to the Kano State Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin; and others for questioning over allegations of cyberbullying and intimidation.

The invitation and interview session followed a petition by the Kano State chapter of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, a movement associated with the former leader of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Those whose names were also mentioned in the petition by the Movement, included Salisu Yahaya Hotoro, a Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam, Nuhu Dambazau and Mukhtar Yahuza.

In the petition by the state chairman of the Movement, Hamisu Danzaki, the petitioners accused Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa and his associates of using the social media platforms to harass and defame their members, including their leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the immediate past Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo and the Senator representing Kano Central, Rufai Sani Hanga.

The petitioners described the alleged social media misconduct of the accused as a threat to peace and democratic expression.

The petitioners, therefore, implored the Service to investigate their claims and take appropriate actions to curb the growing pattern of online intimidation targeting its members.

The petitioners and the accused were all part of the Kwankwasiyya Movement until the recent defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC), an exit which led to the parting of ways by both groups.