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The Kano State House of Assembly has suspended its Minority Whip, Yusuf Bello Aliyu, who represents Nasarawa Constituency, for three months over a viral social media video allegedly containing derogatory remarks against Governor Abba Yusuf.
The suspension followed the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges during Wednesday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Ismail Falgore.
The committee found that the conduct established by the evidence breached the ethical standards and dignity expected of members of the Assembly, despite Aliyu’s denial of the allegation.
Investigation follows lawmakers’ motion
Presenting the committee’s report, its chairman, Garba Shehu Fammer, said the panel began its investigation after the House referred the matter to it on Monday, October 19, 2026.
The referral followed a motion raised by Abdulhamid Abdul, the member representing Minjibir Constituency, who called on lawmakers to investigate the video and determine whether disciplinary action was warranted.
Fammer said the committee invited Aliyu to respond to the allegation and examined the video as part of its investigation.
According to him, the lawmaker denied making abusive comments against the governor. However, the committee concluded that the evidence established conduct inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of elected representatives.
Three-month suspension takes effect
Based on its findings, the committee recommended that Aliyu be suspended from participating in all activities of the House for three months, beginning Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
It also recommended that the lawmaker submit a formal written apology to the Assembly and appear before the House during plenary to read the apology.
The recommendations were presented to the lawmakers for consideration and subsequently adopted, paving the way for the suspension.
Announcing the decision, Speaker Falgore said, “Yusuf Bello Aliyu, Minority Whip and member representing Nasarawa Constituency, is hereby suspended for three months.”
The suspension prevents Aliyu from participating in the activities of the Assembly for the duration of the disciplinary measure, in line with the committee’s recommendation.
Video allegedly showed lawmaker with rabbit
The controversy stemmed from a viral video allegedly showing Aliyu holding a rabbit by its ears while making remarks that were considered disrespectful to Governor Yusuf.
The video attracted attention and prompted concerns among lawmakers about the conduct expected of members of the state legislature, particularly in their public communications and use of social media.
During Monday’s plenary, Abdul argued that the video raised questions about the standards of behaviour expected from elected representatives.
He urged the Assembly to investigate the allegation and take appropriate disciplinary measures if the claims were established.
The House subsequently referred the matter to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for investigation and recommendations.
Assembly considers social media regulation
Beyond the disciplinary action against Aliyu, the committee urged the Assembly to consider initiating legislation to regulate social media conduct while protecting the rights and dignity of Kano residents.
The recommendation raises the issue of how lawmakers intend to address online conduct and the use of social media by public office holders and other residents.
However, the committee’s proposal was for the Assembly to consider initiating legislation; the report did not establish that a new social media law had already been enacted.
The suspension marks the outcome of the Assembly’s investigation into the video, with Aliyu expected to comply with the committee’s recommendations concerning the written apology and its public reading during plenary.
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