Abba Yusuf sets up panel to probe #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano

Abba Yusuf, the governor of Kano, has set up a judicial commission of inquiry (JCI) to probe the circumstances that led to the violence perpetrated during the #EndBadGovernance protest in the state.

During the #EndBadGovernance demonstration, protesters broke into public buildings in Kano, including the state high court.

The Kano governor inaugurated the 14-member panel at the government house on Monday.

He charged the panel to investigate killings, and looting and find the sponsors as well as perpetrators of the violence during the protest.

In a statement detailing the proceedings, Sanusi Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson, noted that Yusuf lamented the economic sabotage incurred during the protest hijacked by hoodlums.

“The governor specifically urged the panel to investigate the missing documents at the high court complex, especially some criminal files and looting exhibits by the criminal elements,” the statement reads.

“He directed the commission not to hesitate in their invitation to any individual found wanting to answer questions whether in Kano or anywhere in the country, regardless of status or position in Nigeria.”

Tofa quoted the governor as saying that “the setting up of the judicial commission of inquiry was in fulfilment of a pledge made during the inspection of the destroyed facilities”.

“We want the panel to dig deeper into the remote and immediate causes of the senseless destructions as well as identify the masterminds for the law of the land to take its full course,” he added.

“The panel is also to establish remote and immediate causes of the first week of August 2024 breach of the peace, wanton destruction of public and private properties, looting, arson, and killings in Kano State; identify individuals, groups of persons, and/or institutions directly or indirectly responsible for the unrest and their roles in precipitating the unrest; and make appropriate recommendations.

“To ascertain the extent of damage to properties, loss of lives, and valuables, and recommend ways of avoiding a recurrence of such happenings in the future and make any other recommendations incidental to the commission’s assignment and its terms of references.

“It is gratifying to know that in carrying out its functions, the commission is to be guided by the provisions of Section 8 of the Kano State Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap 36, Laws of Kano State of Nigeria, 2018.”

The panel is headed by Lawan Mahmoud, a retired judge, while Tajuddeen Funsho, Sani Asia, Musa Borodo, Sagir Suleiman Gezawa, Munir Madugu, Shehu Abdullahi, and Hajiya Abdullahi are members.

Others include Ibrahim Waiya, Saidu Dukawa, Murtala Dangora, MB. Danazumi, Haruna Muhammad, and Salisu Marmara.