Appeal Court Verdict: Police Warn Against Planned Protest In Kano

The Kano Police Command has warned against plans by some political party supporters to stage protests with the intention of bringing the state to a standstill following the verdict of the Appeal Court in Abuja which sacked the state’s governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, last week.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Abdullahi Kiyawa, the Command said it has uncovered plans by some political party supporters using social media platforms to mobilise the public into the street to stage violent protests against the verdict of the Appeal Court.

The statement further said the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Usain, called on residents of the state to remain patriotic and avoid engaging in any form of unlawful gathering, protest or procession to trigger violence.

The leadership of the two major contending political parties in the state, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were reminded of a peace pact they signed on Thursday, November 16, 2023 to maintain harmony and ensure that the political landscape in Kano State remained peaceful, irrespective of the court judgement.

The Police Command said it has “credible information” at its disposal suggesting that “some group of political party supporters using unconventional media platforms, mobilizing people and planning to enter the streets in form of protest to the Kano state Governorship Appeal Court’s verdict which was delivered on Friday 17th November 2023.

“The information revealed that the intention of the protesters is to shut down the state in an action which may likely result in violence.”

In view of this, the Command warned that whoever attempts to disrupt the peace of the state will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“In furtherance, the leadership of the two political parties promised that; no politically motivated clusters of people would be allowed at any location under whatever guise, their supporters would not engage in any mass action suggesting preparation for violent processions, protests, or celebrations that may trigger reactions, unguarded statements from their members likely to increase political tension or undermine the security arrangements and sanctity of the Judiciary would be avoided, they will remain committed to on behalf of their parties to monitor, adhere and comply with the details contained in the peace accord signed before the Kano State Police Command, their parties will support all the arrangements put in place by the security apparatus to maintain peace and order, and that any person or group of persons directly or indirectly found disrupting the peace before, during and after the Appeal Court Judgment shall face the full wrath of the Law

“In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Police Command, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc calls on all residents to maintain calmness and avoid any form of unlawful gathering, protest, or procession that may trigger violence as joint security forces have since been dispatched to strategic locations to safeguard peace and order throughout the State.

“Reiteratively, whoever attempts to disrupt the peace in the State will be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law,” the Police Command declared.

The CP also thanked the people of the state for their cooperation, support and understanding while expressing the commitment of the Police Command towards protecting lives and properties of the people of the state.