IGP summons Kano governor’s spokesperson over Ganduje suspension

IGP Kayode Egbetokun

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has summoned Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for questioning over his alleged role in the controversial suspension of Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter dated May 23, 2025, and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, the police directed the Kano State Government to release Dawakin-Tofa to appear at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. He is scheduled to meet with SP Mojirode Obisiji on May 29.

The police are investigating Dawakin-Tofa for alleged “criminal defamation, impersonation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace,” amid ongoing tensions linked to Ganduje’s brief suspension by his local ward executives in April 2024—a move later overturned by the APC leadership but which caused significant political ripples.

Dawakin-Tofa, a longtime rival of Ganduje from the same Kano community, is accused of orchestrating the suspension to undermine the former governor’s political influence.

‘Attempt to undermine national security’: Group urges Nigerians to shun attacks on IGP

Their feud dates back to 2015, when Ganduje reportedly ordered Dawakin-Tofa’s arrest during his early days as governor-elect.

This isn’t the first time the governor’s aide has been summoned over the matter.

In December 2024, he faced similar police scrutiny, resulting in a legal standoff between Kano State authorities and federal security agencies.

Dawakin-Tofa secured a court injunction preventing his arrest or harassment by security agencies, though that order has not deterred the police from pursuing fresh action.

His legal team is currently appealing a high court ruling that dismissed his lawsuit against Ganduje and the police.