Kano lawmaker, 160 others arrested for violence

Security operatives have arrested 161 persons, including a member of the Kano State House of Assembly, Isyaku Ali-Danja, for electoral offences during Saturday’s governorship and Houses of Assembly elections.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini-Gumel, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the command’s headquarters in Bompai, Kano on Sunday.

Usaini-Gumel said the suspects were arrested by a team of security operatives after they were engaged in electoral offences like vote-buying and destruction of election materials, among others.

“The suspects include a member representing Gezawa Constituency, Isyaku Ali-Danja, who allegedly led thugs and attempted to attack the Gezawa Local Government Area INEC Collation Centre and the Police Divisional Office in Gezawa,” he said.

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Usaini-Gumel stated that the suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of an investigation.

He said a Special Investigation Team consisting of police officers, lawyers, prosecutors, and trained investigators had been assembled by the command to speed up the investigation of the suspects as directed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba.

The police commissioner assured residents of Kano State of their safety as collation of election results continued.

“The command in conjunction with other security agencies has embarked on serious confidence-building patrol and show of force to surmount any likely emerging threat.

“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.

“When results are announced avoid all forms of reckless celebrations that may likely cause death, injury or damage to property,” Usaini-Gumel added.

The Star