The Kano State Police Command has arraigned 333 suspected political thugs caught disrupting last Saturday’s bye-election in the Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari/Tsanyawa constituencies. The suspects face various charges, including disorderly conduct, possession of offensive weapons, intimidation, and destruction of election materials.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, detailing how the suspects were intercepted by joint security forces before they could carry out their plans to sabotage the election.
According to the police boss, the suspects were heavily armed with cutlasses, pump-action rifles, locally made pistols, and other dangerous weapons. Their intent was to cause chaos during the bye-election and intimidate voters and officials.
“Thankfully, our men swiftly moved in to foil their plans and prevent breakdown of law and order,” Bakori said. “These suspects were ready to use force to disrupt the electoral process.”
The police recovered various exhibits from the suspects, including dangerous weapons and a large sum of money amounting to N4,048,000. This cash is suspected to have been used to bribe or pay the thugs for their activities during the election.
The suspects have been formally charged with several offences. These include disorderly conduct, intimidation, snatching and destruction of election materials, and unlawful possession of offensive weapons.
The arraignment took place before Magistrate Courts in Nomansland and Gyadi-Gyadi areas of Kano State. The suspects will face prosecution as investigations continue.
Bakori assured that the police and other security agencies remain committed to maintaining peace and order in all elections across the state.
The bye-election was conducted to fill vacant seats in the Kano State House of Assembly representing Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari/Tsanyawa constituencies. These areas have a history of election-related violence, fueled by political rivalry and the involvement of hired thugs.
Political thuggery has been a major challenge to free and fair elections in Kano, as in many parts of Nigeria. Armed groups often use violence, intimidation, and vote-rigging tactics to influence election outcomes.
Ahead of the election, the Kano Police Command, alongside the Nigerian Army, the Civil Defence, and other security agencies, launched joint operations to secure polling units and ensure peaceful voting.
Commissioner Bakori praised the coordination among security agencies, which helped prevent what could have been a violent disruption.
He urged the public and political parties to eschew violence and allow the democratic process to take its course peacefully.
The incident highlights the ongoing problem of political violence in Nigeria’s elections. Thugs are often hired by politicians to disrupt voting, intimidate opponents, and influence results unlawfully.
This practice undermines democracy and discourages voter participation. Many Nigerians have called for stronger measures to end political violence and ensure credible elections.
Experts and civil society organizations have long demanded stricter laws to penalize political thuggery. They argue that until political actors are held accountable for sponsoring violence, electoral processes will remain vulnerable.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently called for urgent reforms to safeguard voters and election officials.
With the suspects in custody and court cases ongoing, the Kano State Police have sent a strong message that electoral violence will not be tolerated. The success of these prosecutions could deter future election-related crimes in the state.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections at various levels, security agencies are under pressure to ensure peaceful, transparent, and credible polls.
The federal and state governments must work together to eliminate the influence of political thugs and create a safer environment for voters and electoral officials.
