The Inspector-General of Police has commenced the prosecution of a Kano politician, Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, over the alleged public display of a firearm during a political campaign rally.
The case came before Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano on Monday, with the Inspector-General of Police as the plaintiff and Aminu Abdullahi Warkal as the defendant.
Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, a politican contesting for a position to the Kano state house of assembly for the 2027 election was reportedly seen with firearm on a campaign vehicle with large crowd recently in Kano.
The Police belives that the act is dangerious to public safety and goes contrary to existing laws of the land prohibiting unlawful procession of firearm by aunthorized perosns.
On Monday, the matter was brought before before Justice Simon Amobeda of the Kano division of the Federal high court for hearing.
The matter was however, adjourned, after the prosecution counsel requested more time, notifying the court that the defendant has been invited to the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja for questioning, making it impossible for the trial to commence.
Justice Amobeda subsequently adjourned the matter until October 15, 2026 for further hearing.
The prosecution comes amid growing preparations for the 2027 general elections and highlights the legal implications of the unlawful possession or use of firearms under Nigeria’s firearms laws.
In a related development, the Kano State Police Command has stopped organisers of the Tinubu Must Go campaigners from holding a planned meeting at a private venue where they intended to discuss their proposed protest.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano, Ibrahim Bakori, defended the action in a statement, citing security concerns and the need to prevent a breakdown of law and order, while acknowledging the right to lawful assembly.
According to the police commissioner, the decision was informed by concerns for the safety of the organisers and residents, particularly as the meeting was expected to attract about seven hundred participants.
However, one of the conveners, a legal practitioner, Abba Hikima, criticised the police action, alleging partisanship and insisting that the planned meeting was lawful and peaceful.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the two developments highlight growing concerns over public security, political expression, and the need for law enforcement agencies to uphold the law while respecting citizens’ constitutional right
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
