Kano State Police Command has charged 333 suspects to court for allegedly disrupting last Saturday’s by-elections in the Shanono/Bagwai and Tsanyawa/Ghari constituencies.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, disclosed this during a special briefing with journalists in Kano on Monday, outlining the charges against the suspects, which include criminal conspiracy, disorderly conduct, possession of offensive weapons, and intimidation.
He further explained that other alleged offenses included: “Loitering without lawful excuse after voting or being refused to vote, snatching or destruction of election materials, improper use of vehicles, solicitation for votes of another voter on election day, etc.”
The police chief also listed the items recovered from the suspects, including one bow, 23 arrows, seven catapults, 45 stones, 14 motor vehicles, two ballot boxes, 163 thumb-printed ballot papers, and a total cash sum of four million and forty-eight thousand naira (N4,048,000.00).
Bakori commended the security agencies for their role in containing the violence. “I would like to take this opportunity to commend the combined security agencies for their dedication, commitment, and selfless service during this challenging electoral period. Their professionalism and coordinated efforts were instrumental in containing the violence from spreading further and helped to safeguard the voters, election officials, and the general public,” he said.
The commissioner reiterated the police command’s commitment to justice. “We are determined to ensure that those who plan to disrupt the democratic process are held accountable,” Bakori added.
