The Kano State Police Command has transferred 76 suspects, including one foreign national, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for a thorough investigation into charges of sedition. The suspects were detained for allegedly displaying Russian flags during recent nationwide hunger protests, which had turned violent in several parts of northern Nigeria.
Kano State Commissioner of Police Salman Garba provided an update on the situation during a press conference on Monday. He outlined the ongoing investigations and arrests related to the unrest.
“In accordance with directives from Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Kano Command has made significant strides in managing the aftermath of these events,” Garba said. “Our efforts have led to the arrest of 873 suspects and the seizure of numerous exhibits.”
Garba confirmed that the 76 individuals, who were apprehended for their involvement with the Russian flags, have been transferred to Abuja for further investigation. He also mentioned that the foreign national among them is being investigated on charges of sedition.
In addition to these transfers, Garba reported that 150 individuals have been arrested and are facing prosecution for breaching the curfew imposed by the Kano State government during the protests. Six suspects have been detained for their alleged roles in the destruction, arson, and looting of the Kano Printing Press.
The commissioner revealed that 600 other suspects are undergoing prosecution for various offenses, including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbances, rioting, theft, mischief, and arson. Police have also recovered significant amounts of looted property, including two AK-47 rifles.
Despite the challenges posed by the recent unrest, Garba praised the Kano State Police Command for its achievements in crime prevention and control. He highlighted successful operations that resulted in the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, five suspected armed robbers, and eight suspected car thieves.
In a related development, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf announced the indefinite suspension of the curfew that had been imposed in response to the violence during the #EndBadGovernance protests. The suspension decision, disclosed by State Commissioner for Information Halilu Baba Dantiye, was made after a comprehensive assessment of the state’s security situation. The curfew was initially enforced due to widespread looting and destruction of both public and private properties across Kano.
