Police Declare 24-Hour Curfew As Tribunal Sacks Kano Governor

The Kano State government on Wednesday declared a 24-hour curfew in the state in order to avoid a breakdown of law and order after the sack of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) by the state’s Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.

Security was beefed up across Kano on Wednesday shortly after the ruling of the three-man election tribunal led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Nasir Gawuna, as the winner of the March 2023 governorship election which took place in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Gumel, who confirmed the curfew order in a statement issued, said the restriction is effective from 6 pm on Wednesday to 6 pm on Thursday (today).

Gumel promised to ensure strict compliance with the order, warning that defaulters would be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

He said, “A 24-hour curfew order has been 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.

“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 has mapped out strategies in that direction and called on the good people of the state to give the necessary confidence and support.

“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 curfew. 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,” Gumel further said.

Before the curfew was imposed, apprehensive traders had hurriedly locked up their shops across the major markets and shopping plazas as residents rushed home after the tribunal invalidated Yusuf’s election as Kano State governor.

The court ordered the withdrawal of the certificate of return from Yusuf and directed that a new one should be issued to Gawuna.