Police declare 24-hour curfew in Kano after judgment sacking Abba Yusuf

The Kano police have declared a 24-hour curfew in the state following the tribunal judgment sacking Abba Yusuf as the governor.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday via Zoom, the tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Yusuf.

The tribunal also affirmed Yusuf Gawana of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duly elected governor of the state.

In a statement, Muhammad Gumel, the commissioner of police, said a team of security operatives have been dispatched across the city to enforce the curfew.

“In view of the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force alongside the relevant Internal Security and Law Enforcement Agencies to preserve law and order in the State, the Kano State Police Command have mapped out strategies on that direction and call on the good people of the State to give the necessary confidence and supports,” the statement reads.

“Going forward, Kano State residents are called upon to note that combined Security Forces have already been dispatched to the nooks and crannies including the entry and exits of the State to ensure enforcement and strict compliance of the Twenty-Four Hours (24hrs) Curfew order as communicated by the State Government via letter with Reference No: K/SEC/H/435/T.1/153 dated 20th September, 2023 taking effect from 6pm of Wednesday, 20th September to 6pm of Thursday, 21st September 2023.

“Violators will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“Finally, I wish to appreciate all the peace-loving People of the State and urge them to remain law abiding as it’s in the best interest of all that we come together to maintain law and order in the State.”

There has been tension in the state since the tribunal reserved judgment.

During a prayer session organised by the supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Thursday, Adamu Aliyu, who was the commissioner for land, threatened the judges of the tribunal.

Aliyu said any judge who decides to receive a bribe would pay with his or her life.

Consequently, he was sacked by Yusuf over “unguarded comments”.