The Kano State Police Command has invited Aminu Warkal, candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the State House of Assembly, for questioning over an alleged unlawful display of a firearm during a political rally.
The invitation followed the emergence of a viral video purportedly showing Warkal displaying a firearm at the rally.
In a statement issued on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the police had commenced an investigation into the incident.
Kiyawa noted that if the allegation is established, the act could constitute a violation of the provisions of the Firearms Act.
The police spokesperson said the command would conduct a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged display and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
Kiyawa said the act is capable of “inciting fear, intimidating members of the public and breaching public peace and security”.
“In line with its sustained intelligence-led surveillance, robust community engagement, and proactive security presence across all parts of the State, the Kano State Police Command, while on routine cyber patrol, came across a video clip circulating on social media platforms where one Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Warkal was seen openly displaying a firearm suspected to be a Pump Action Rifle during what appears to be a political gathering,” the statement reads.
“The alleged unlawful display of firearm, if established, constitutes a clear violation of the provisions of the Firearms Act and is capable of inciting fear, intimidating members of the public and breaching public peace and security.
“On the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, SFIPMA, MNIM, MNIPS, MASIS, the said Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Warkal was invited to the Command Headquarters, Bompai, Kano.
“He is currently at the Command’s State Intelligence Department (SID) and investigation is in progress.”
Kiyawa said the commissioner of police warned that the command would not tolerate lawlessness, thuggery or the display of weapons capable of threatening public peace, regardless of the status of the person involved.
He advised politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and abide by the Electoral Act, Firearms Act and other relevant laws.
