Five People Arrested and Two Hospitalized Following Violent Kano Celebration – Police

On Wednesday, the Kano police announced that they had detained five people on suspicion of causing a disturbance and inciting violence during the celebration of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the state’s governorship election.

The Supreme Court’s decision on Friday, which upheld Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf’s victory in the March 18, 2023, governorship election, was met with wild celebrations.

The Kano governor had earlier been sacked by both the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Nasiru Gawuna, as the winner of the poll.

His sacking created tension in the ancient city, while the restoration of his victory brought relief and sparked off wild celebrations by his supporters.

The state Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, on Wednesday, said five persons were arrested following a clash between jubilant supporters of the governor and his party, the New Nigeria People’s Party, and supporters of the APC in the Gaya Local Government Area.

Gumel said, “We have since arrested five suspects, while two victims are on admission at the General Hospital, Gaya,” he said.
According to the police boss, the suspects would be charged and arraigned in court at the end of the investigations.

Gumel cautioned political actors in the state against violence or acts that could ignite violence. He said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, had fortified security at all identified hot spots in the state in order to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

“At this moment security has been beefed up in strategic locations to maintain peace. I hereby call on the leadership of all political parties to prevail on their supporters to shun unguarded utterances that may spark violence. We are, therefore, advising them to celebrate moderately without infringing on the fundamental rights of other members of the public.

He declared, “Anyone or any groups that attempt to cause a breakdown of law and order and disrupt the peace will face the full wrath of the law.”

Gumel reassured the public that the police command was dedicated to giving them sufficient security and urged them to carry out their lawful business.