The Kano State Police Command announced on Monday that it has transferred 76 suspects, including a foreigner, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation on charges of sedition. This move follows their arrest for allegedly flying Russian flags during a recent nationwide protest that turned violent in the North.
Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, provided the update in a press briefing. He described the recent unrest as a result of a nationwide hunger protest that was hijacked by violent elements. Garba outlined that the violence in Kano led to significant damage and looting of government and public properties.
The Commissioner said, “In alignment with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Kano Command has worked diligently to address the aftermath of these events. Our efforts have led to the arrest of 873 suspects and the recovery of numerous exhibits.”
Among the notable actions reported were the arrests of 76 individuals for flying Russian flags, who are now under investigation for sedition. Additionally, 150 people were apprehended for violating a curfew imposed by the state government, and six individuals were detained for their alleged roles in the arson and looting of the Kano Printing Press.
The police have also arrested 600 suspects for a range of offenses including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson. Another 41 individuals were detained for serious crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft. Significant recoveries included two AK-47 rifles and other stolen items from various locations.
Despite the recent unrest, Garba emphasized the police command’s ongoing commitment to public safety and crime prevention, citing successful operations and community engagement as key factors in stabilizing the region.
In a related development, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has indefinitely lifted the 24-hour curfew imposed on August 1 due to the violence during the #EndbadGovernance protests. The State Commissioner for Information, Halilu Baba Dantiye, confirmed that businesses and markets are reopening as normalcy returns to Kano.
Governor Yusuf stated, “With peace gradually restored in Kano, it is appropriate to relax the curfew and allow normal business activities to resume.”