Kaduna to probe viral video of Kano politician ‘beaten for criticising Uba Sani’

The Kaduna government has ordered an investigation into a viral video showing Abdulmajid Al-Mustapha, a Kano politician, being beaten by some unidentified persons for allegedly criticising Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna.

In the trending video, Al-Mustapha, popularly known as Dan Balki commander, is seen handcuffed and whipped by some individuals.

Dan Balki is a Kano-based member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The perpetrators, while beating the commander, asked him to “kneel down” saying in the Hausa language, “why are you insulting the governor of Kaduna? Are you an indigene of Kaduna? Is that what you want to tell me?”

“Why are you insulting him? Is the governor your mate? If it is easy, go and become a governor. Are you from Kaduna state?”

In response, Dan Balki commander told the perpetrators that he is from “Kano, a northerner and a Nigerian”.

He started begging the individuals, adding, “Honestly, I did not insult the governor. I have diabetes and high blood pressure”.

“I swear, I am not insulting him. I am very sorry. Please, I am sorry.”

However, in a statement on Thursday, the Kaduna government distanced itself from the act and described the actions of those involved as “barbaric”.

“The attention of the Kaduna state government has been drawn to a video that has gone viral showing one Dan Balki commander being whipped by unidentified persons. In the video, accusing fingers were pointed at the Kaduna state government,” the statement reads.

“The Kaduna state government wishes to strongly disassociate itself from the heinous act. It is not in our character. Such barbaric acts have no place in a decent society.

“We stand for the rule of law and due process. Our administration is anchored on justice, equity, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the dignity of the human person.

“Since assuming office in May 2023, Kaduna state government, under the able leadership of Senator Uba Sani has been working assiduously to rebuild trust and give all citizens of the state a sense of belonging.

“We accommodate all shades of opinion and have created a conducive atmosphere for all political views to thrive.

“The governor of Kaduna state is a long-standing fighter for fundamental rights and freedoms. He has never wavered in his commitment to the promotion and protection of civil rights, the rule of law, and due process.

“He will not, under any circumstances, detail anyone to brutalize a person for holding a contrary opinion.

“His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani has therefore ordered a full investigation into the alleged incident. He is determined to get to the root of the incident and will ensure that the full wrath of the law is brought to bear on anyone found culpable.”