Rallies Banned in Kano as Ex-Governor Returns

Police in Kano, North-West Nigeria today, enforced section 227 of the Constitution, suspending political rallies, processions and meetings of such kind.

The state commissioner of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris said the measure was taken to stabilize security situation in the state, as well as to ensure peaceful return of the former governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau who has been away to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj.

Malam Shekarau is expected to return to Kano this week.

Before now a group of supporters of the former governor and loyalists of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) had gone on air mobilizing people for a rally to herald his home-coming, but police have viewed such gathering as a threat to peace and order.

This afternoon, representatives of the ANPP in Kano were at the office of the Commissioner of Police where they agreed that the return of Shekarau was going to be peaceful without procession of any kind, just as they denied knowledge of the said radio announcement, mobilizing party supporters for Shekarau’s home-coming.

“Giving security situation in the country and the likelihood of some hoodlums and miscreant to take advantage to disrupt the peace and tranquility in the state, the Command hereby directed that all rallies, processions be suspended forthwith.”

Representatives of ANPP were present at the press conference held at the Bompai police headquarters this evening.

Idris said arrangements have been concluded to beef up security, adding that maximum deployment that would escort the former governor from Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, MAKIA, to his residence.

The police boss also noted that the measures were in no way, taken to spite any group or individual but to ensure adequate security of lives and property in Kano state.

“We are not living in normal time as and everybody who wishes this country well will try his best to help the security agencies to ensure lives and properties are properly secured. When you are dealing with security issues, you have to look at things from a far-reaching, holistic manner.

“Our measures are aimed at giving a crack to any opportunity that could be seized by unscrupulous elements and enemies of the state to cause havoc. We all are aware that it is not everybody that wishes this country well.”

Meanwhile, Police have arrested Muhammad Ibrahim alias ‘Chop Better’, 20, suspected to have been among the masterminds of the killing and burning of a 26 years old taxi driver, Umar Marau Marau who was killed and burnt to death on March 15, 2010 in Kano, on the false accusation that he was a kidnapper.

He was arrested with a military face cap and a long sharp knife, after a man haunt that lasted for over one year.

“Information received that the suspect has been terrorizing innocent citizens in the community and anybody or persons who might have fallen victim to anybody or persons who might have fallen victim to any criminal activity of the suspect can come to SCID Bompai Kano to establish a case against him,” Police said.

However, Muhammed denied committing any crime as he told reporters that the knife found on him was, “for protection.”

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano