The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has summoned the spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, over allegations of criminal defamation, impersonation, and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
The invitation was contained in a letter dated May 23, 2025, addressed to the Secretary to the State Government of Kano. It directed Dawakin-Tofa to appear at the IGP Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja, by 12:00 pm on May 29, 2025.
The letter, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, stated that the police are investigating a case in which Dawakin-Tofa “featured prominently.”
The case relates to the 2024 suspension of APC National Chairman and former Kano governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, by party executives in his home ward. Dawakin-Tofa, a native of the same area, was accused of influencing the suspension — an allegation he has denied.
This is not the first time the police have moved against the governor’s aide. In December 2024, Dawakin-Tofa obtained a court order restraining the police and other security agencies from arresting or harassing him. The injunction, issued by a Kano State High Court, also covered top officers including SP Mojirode Obisiji and DCP Akin Fakorede.
However, the court later dismissed the case, leading Dawakin-Tofa’s lawyer to file an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Kano.
The rift between Ganduje and Dawakin-Tofa dates back to 2015, when Ganduje, then governor-elect, allegedly ordered the arrest of Dawakin-Tofa over opposition activities.
Since then, Dawakin-Tofa has become a prominent critic and political rival in Ganduje’s hometown.
The police summons has further highlighted the deepening divide between the APC national leadership and the Kano State Government. Political observers say the case could shape political alignments ahead of future elections.
