Police Arraign 333 For Violent Disruption Of By-election In Kano
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Bakori says 333 people have been charged to court for violent disruption of Saturday’s by-election in Ghari, Bagwai and Shanono Local Government Areas.
“All the arrested suspects have been charged to Magistrate Courts 20, 27, 44 Nomansland Kano and Magistrate Courts Number 8 and 53, Gyadi-Gyadi Kano, on Monday, 18th August 2025, for prosecution under various electoral offences.
“The charges include criminal conspiracy, disorderly conduct, possession of offensive weapons, intimidation, loitering without lawful excuse after voting or being refused to vote, Snatching or destruction of election materials, Improper use of vehicles, solicitation for votes on election day, etc,” he told newsmen on Monday in Kano.
The police Commissioner said that the August 16 election was held “under challenging circumstances”, and had “witnessed attempts by unscrupulous individuals to disrupt the process through the massive importation of thugs from within and outside the State”.
“However, through the steadfast efforts of the Kano State Police Command and our partner security agencies under the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), we were able to contain some of these threats.
“During the election process in Ghari, Bagwai and Shanono LGAs, a total of three hundred and thirty-three (333) suspects were apprehended. These suspects were arrested for disrupting the electoral process.”
Bakori said the police recovered various exhibits including one pump action rifle, five locally made guns, 94 cudgels, 16 swords, 18 cutlasses, 32 long, blunt knives locally known as barandami, 18 offensive knives, a bow with 23 arrows, 8 catapults, 45 stones, 14 motor vehicles, 2 ballot boxes with 163 thumb-printed ballot papers, and ₦4.048 million cash.
He assured that the Command remained committed to ensuring thatwitnessed attempts by unscrupulous individuals to disrupt the process through the massive importation of thugs from within and outside the State justice is served and those who seek to undermine the democratic process are held accountable.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the combined security agencies for their dedication, commitment, and selfless service during this challenging electoral period. Their professionalism and coordinated efforts were instrumental in containing the violence from spreading further and helped to safeguard the voters, election officials, and the general public.
“As we continue to work hard to secure the democratic process, I urge the good people of Kano State to remain law-abiding and cooperate fully with security personnel. Let us work together to uphold peace and the principles of democracy. We call on the people of the State to be patriotic and see the issue of security as a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all.
“For emergencies or to report suspicious activities, please contact the Command via the following numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926,” the Commissioner of Police said.
