Police Invite Kano NDC Candidate Over Alleged Firearm Display At Political Gathering

Kano State Police Command has invited the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) for Gwale Constituency, Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, over an alleged unlawful display and firing of a firearm during a political gathering in the state.

The command said Warkal was invited following a video clip sighted during its routine cyber patrol, allegedly showing him openly displaying a firearm suspected to be a pump-action rifle at a political gathering.

The police spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement he issued yesterday, saying Warkal was currently at the State Intelligence Department of the command in Bompai, Kano, for interrogation.

Kiyawa said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, directed the invitation after the video surfaced on social media, adding that the alleged unlawful display of the firearm, if established, could constitute a violation of the Firearms Act and threat to public peace.

Earlier, a video circulating on social media on Monday allegedly showed Warkal firing a firearm three times into the air during a political gathering at Unguwar Jan Bulo, Kano.

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred shortly after Warkal arrived at the gathering organised to receive campaign materials donated in support of the NDC candidate for Gwale Federal Constituency, Muhammad Hamisu UK.

The eyewitnesses alleged that Warkal initially fired twice into the air before firing a third shot, while an attempt to fire again was reportedly prevented by security personnel attached to him and some members of the gathering.

The police spokesman said the command would not tolerate acts of lawlessness, thuggery or the display of weapons capable of threatening public peace, irrespective of the status of those involved.

Kiyawa urged political actors, their supporters and other stakeholders to conduct their activities peacefully and comply with the Electoral Act, Firearms Act and other relevant laws.

He added that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring that Kano remained peaceful before, during and after the political season.