Kano Police Transfer 76 Suspects to Abuja Over Alleged Sedition During Violent Protests
The Kano State Police Command has transferred 76 suspects, including a foreign national, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for a discreet investigation on charges of sedition.
The suspects were arrested for flying Russian flags during the recent nationwide hunger protests that turned violent in the northern region of Nigeria.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Salman Garba, made the disclosure on Monday while providing an update on the violent incidents and subsequent arrests in the state.
The protests, which began as a demonstration against hunger, escalated into widespread violence, resulting in the destruction and looting of government and public properties.
Speaking during a press conference, Garba stated, “The purpose of this briefing is to provide a comprehensive update on the recent violent incidents that resulted in wanton destruction and looting of government and public properties in Kano State, instigated by hoodlums under the guise of a nationwide protest, as well as the achievements recorded by the command in crime prevention, management, and control from August 1 to date.”
Garba revealed that, following directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Kano Command has been working diligently to address the aftermath of the protests. This has led to the arrest of 873 suspects and the recovery of a significant amount of stolen property.
Among those arrested, 76 individuals were detained for flying Russian flags during the protests. These suspects, including a foreigner, have been transferred to Abuja for further investigation on charges of sedition.
Additionally, the CP announced the arrest and prosecution of 150 suspects for violating the curfew imposed by the Kano State government in response to the unrest. Six other suspects were apprehended for their alleged involvement in the destruction and looting of the Kano Printing Press.
Garba also highlighted the arrest and prosecution of 600 suspects for various offenses, including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson.
Another 41 suspects were arrested for major crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft.
The police recovered several exhibits, including two AK-47 rifles and other looted properties from locations such as the Audu Bako Secretariat, NCC Office, High Court Complexes, Kano Printing Press, and various supermarkets.
“Despite the challenges posed by the recent protest, it is important to highlight some of the achievements recorded by the Police Command in crime prevention, management, and control within the period under review,” Garba stated.
He noted that the Command had achieved significant successes through proactive policing strategies and community engagement, leading to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, five suspected armed robbers, and eight suspected car thieves.
In a related development, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf announced on Monday the indefinite suspension of the curfew imposed on the state. The curfew was initially enforced on August 1 after the peaceful hunger protests spiraled into violence and widespread destruction.
The State Commissioner for Information, Halilu Baba Dantiye, confirmed the suspension, stating that peace has gradually returned to Kano, with businesses, including banks and the Sabon Gari market, reopening for operations.
“Peace has gradually returned to the commercial city of Kano, as banks, Sabon Gari market, and multiple business premises have all opened their shops for the commencement of business operations. It’s an indication that peace has returned to Kano, hence the need to relax the curfew indefinitely,” the governor said.
The return of normalcy in Kano is seen as a positive development, but the authorities remain vigilant as investigations continue into the events that led to the violence.
