NBA: Lawyers face arrests amid rising human rights concerns in Kano

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kano Branch, has raised serious concerns over the worsening human rights situation in Kano State, noting that the situation has not improved compared to last year.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Usman Umar Fari, Chairman of NBA Kano Branch, who highlighted the growing threats to lawyers, often while discharging their professional duties.

He stated that thousands of complaints alleging human rights violations have been filed before the Kano State High Court alone, with additional cases pending at the Federal High Court and the National Human Rights Commission.

“Lawyers, who should be at the forefront of human rights protection, have not been spared. Many have been harassed or detained simply for exercising their fundamental rights or defending others,” Fari said.

The statement cited several incidents, including the arrest of lawyer Mohammad Bashir Adam on 19th September 2025.

Police officers in Abuja detained him in the presence of his clients, despite presenting two valid identification cards, including one from the Nigerian Bar Association.

“He was handcuffed and dragged into their vehicle. They later admitted it was a case of mistaken identity,” the NBA chairman explained.

On 22nd September 2025, Uba Sani Hamza was arrested at Norman’s Land Magistrate Court in Kano by officers from the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.

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Hamza’s detention reportedly stemmed from sharing a surname with a suspect accused of insulting government officials on social media.

On 4th November 2025, Hamisu Abdulwahhab was briefly detained by the Office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Kano in connection with a civil matter.

The statement also described a more alarming incident on 5th December 2025, when a special team from Abuja stormed the law office of another lawyer Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, in what the statement called a “Gestapo-like invasion.”

Armed to the teeth, the officers threatened to shoot anyone who intervened. Rimingado’s only offence was filing a charge under a fiat issued by the Attorney General of Kano State.

The statement further expressed concern over rising insecurity in parts of Kano State, where armed groups have reportedly attacked, killed, and kidnapped innocent citizens.

“Before now, Kano was considered a safe haven. The current situation is unacceptable and must be strongly condemned,” he said.

The NBA Kano called on authorities to take decisive action to protect human rights and hold perpetrators accountable.

“Under no circumstances should fundamental human rights be violated with impunity, especially under a democratic dispensation,” it added, urging Nigerians to unite in ensuring the country remains free from oppression.