Nigeria arrests Kano aide and detains ex-Kaduna governor in political crackdown

Salihu Tanko Yakasai, a former special assistant to Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, was dismissed for publicly criticizing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and was subsequently taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS). The DSS said Yakasai is being investigated on matters beyond his social‑media remarks. Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, have condemned the arrest and called for his immediate release.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai, who is being detained by Kaduna authorities. Atiku described the detention as “cruel, unjustifiable” and warned it signals selective justice and the weaponisation of state institutions against political opponents. He urged authorities to provide transparent legal justification for El‑Rufai’s continued confinement, especially ahead of Eid celebrations.