A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kano State has raised alarm over what it described as threats, harassment, and intimidation of its members following their demand for the suspension of public officials accused of corruption in the state government.

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano, a coalition of 20 groups, which said the intimidation began after their August 23, 2025, call urging Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to suspend accused officials until the conclusion of investigations.

The coalition recalled recent scandals, including the alleged N1.02 billion money laundering case involving the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Sani Lawan Malumfashi, the commission’s secretary, Anas Mustapha, and a deputy director, Ado Garba.

According to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the officials diverted funds from the commission’s account into a private company under the guise of paying ad hoc electoral staff, even though banks had already handled the disbursement.

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It also referenced another case involving the Director General of Protocol at the Government House, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, accused of diverting N6.5 billion through proxies and bureau de change operators.

Both the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that he laundered the funds through companies including H&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas Limited.

The coalition said its intervention was aimed at strengthening accountability but had instead been met with reprisals.

The statement read in part, “Some of our members have come under intense pressure, harassment, and outright threats from powerful individuals determined to silence our voices.

“In fact, two members of our coalition, after sustained intimidation of their families and relatives, were coerced into issuing disclaimers and withdrawing their earlier stance.”

The CSOs warned that the state apparatus was allegedly being mobilized to suppress civic voices, stressing that security agencies would be held responsible should harm come to any of their members.

“Any harm, harassment, or intimidation meted out to any of our members or their families should be traced directly to these individuals and their collaborators within the system.

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“We hold the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies in Kano and at the federal level fully responsible for the safety of our members,” the coalition said.

It further insisted that their demand was not a witch-hunt but a universally accepted governance practice.

“Demanding the suspension of indicted officials is not a political witch-hunt. It is about upholding public trust, due process, and fairness.

“Allowing such officials to remain in office during investigations undermines credibility and erodes confidence in the administration,” the groups maintained.

The CSOs vowed not to bow to intimidation, declaring, “No amount of threats, coercion, or blackmail will deter us from standing for the truth, defending the public interest, and ensuring a better Kano.”

They urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to ensure indicted officials step aside, called on security agencies to protect activists from harassment, and appealed to the media, Nigerians, and the international community to stand in solidarity with them.