Police arrest 161 suspects — including lawmaker — for electoral offences in Kano

The Kano police command has arrested 161 persons, including a member of the state house of assembly, for alleged electoral offences.

Mohammed Usaini-Gumel, the state commissioner of police, announced the development on Sunday while addressing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Bompai, Kano.

He said the suspects were arrested by security operatives over electoral offences such as vote buying and destruction of election materials.

“The suspects include a member representing Gezawa constituency, Isyaku Ali-Danja, who allegedly led thugs and attempted to attack the Gezawa local government area INEC collation centre and the police divisional office in Gezawa,” he said.

Usaini-Gumel said the suspects would be arraigned in court, adding that a special team consisting of police officers, lawyers, and trained investigators have been assembled by the command to speed up investigation into the suspects’ activities in line with directives from the inspector-general of police.

Usaini-Gumel assured residents of the state of their safety amid the ongoing collation of election results.

“The command in conjunction with other security agencies has embarked on serious confidence-building patrol and show of force to surmount any likely emerging threat,” the police commissioner added.

“We call on the peace-loving Kano state residents to continue to give maximum support and cooperation, and avoid spreading fake news and hate speeches capable of disrupting the peace in the state.

“When results are announced avoid all forms of reckless celebrations that may likely cause death, injury or damage to property.”