Two hospitalised, five arrested over violent Kano celebration – Police
The police in Kano on Wednesday said they arrested five persons over allegations of constituting nuisance and instigating violence while celebrating the Supreme Court judgment on the state governorship election.
Wild celebrations greeted Friday’s Supreme Court verdict, which restored the victory of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, in the March 18, 2023 governorship election.
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.
“Anyone or groups that attempt to disrupt the peace and cause a breakdown of law and order will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
Gumel assured of the police command’s commitment to providing adequate security for citizens and encouraged them to go about their legitimate businesses.
