We Arrested Lawmaker, 160 Others Trying To Destroy Ballots, Burn INEC Collation Centres In Kano – Police

By Abdullahi Kiyawa

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All thanks and glory are to Almighty Allah (SWT) for giving me the opportunity to brief you today on the security situation of Kano State after the March 18 Gubernatorial / State House of Assembly elections that were conducted peacefully.

Prior to this time, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, NEAPS, fdc, CFR having reviewed the successes and challenges recorded during the last Presidential / National Assembly elections, deployed a Police Air-Wing Surveillance Helicopter, additional Manpower, Operational Vehicles and Anti-riot equipment ahead of the Gubernatorial / State House of Assembly election.

Similarly, there was a series of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meetings in which the strategies were modified and a number of strategic communications aimed at public enlightenment and sensitization to ensure serene and peaceful election processes were issued.

During the election, the State was sectorized and the heads of security agencies in the State as well as the Command’s Operational Commanders carried out round-the-clock visibility supervision and confidence-building patrols.

What we do as a team of security officials in the State from 0000 hours of 18th March 2023 to this time led to the following:

A total of One Hundred and Sixty-One (161) suspects were arrested for involving in offences ranging from vote buying, destruction of election materials, attempt to burn down Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office of Local Government Areas Collation Centres, being in possession of offensive weapons, being in possession of illicit drugs and combustibles.

The suspects arrested include; one Honourable Isyaku Ali Danja, a member of Kano State House of Assembly representing Gezawa Constituency for leading thugs, and attempted to attack Gezawa Local Government Area INEC Collation Centre and the Police Divisional Headquarters of Gezawa Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, the just inaugurated Special Investigation Team consisting of Police Lawyers, seasoned Prosecutors and well-trained investigators are directed to speed up the process without delay as recently directed by the Inspector-General of Police.

The collation of the election results is ongoing, the Command in conjunction with other security agencies in the State, has embarked on serious confidence-building patrol and Show of Force to surmount any likely emerging threat.

We assure the good people of the State of their security and safety, and we call on the peace-loving Kano State residents to continue to give maximum support and cooperation.

Avoid spreading fake news and hate speeches capable of disrupting the peace in the State, and also when results are announced, avoid all forms of reckless celebrations that may likely cause death, injury or damage to property. Thank you and God bless.

@views exclusive rights: Abdullahi Kiyawa, Kano State Command Police Spokesperson, being a PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE FOR THE 2023 GUBERNATORIAL / STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ELECTION, KANO STATE COMMAND, CP MOHAMMED USAINI GUMEL AT POLICE COMMAND, HEADQUARTERS, BOMAPAI – KANO ON 19TH MARCH, 2023.