Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Nigerian authorities to urgently investigate allegations of harassment and an attempted manhunt targeting four residents of Kano State following questions they reportedly raised about a federally approved irrigation project.
The organisation identified the affected individuals as Dan Kabiruwa, Gambo Abdu Rurum, Zakari Mai Mai Rurum and Naziru Badamasi, saying they are at risk of arbitrary arrest and possible human rights violations.
According to Amnesty International Nigeria, Zakari Mai Mai Rurum has already been arrested, while the other three are reportedly on the run amid alleged efforts by security agencies to apprehend them.
The rights organisation said the controversy arose after the individuals reportedly asked questions about the provision of an irrigation channel intended to support farming, a project said to have received federal government approval and funding.
Amnesty stressed that questioning elected officials about the implementation of public projects and the management of public funds is a legitimate exercise of citizens’ rights and should not be treated as a criminal offence.
It urged Nigerian authorities to investigate the allegations, establish the circumstances surrounding the reported arrest and pursuit of the individuals, and ensure that their fundamental rights are respected.
The organisation also cautioned security agencies against being used to advance the interests of politicians, insisting that their primary responsibility is to protect citizens and uphold the law.
The incident raises concerns about freedom of expression, civic participation and the right of citizens to demand accountability from public office holders, particularly over projects financed with public funds.
Amnesty International Nigeria maintained that citizens must be able to ask questions, scrutinise government projects and seek explanations from elected representatives without fear of intimidation, harassment or unlawful detention.
As of the time of this report, the specific allegations had not been independently verified by IBN News, and no official response from the relevant security agencies or the lawmaker concerned had been established.
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