Kano Police Explain Deployment at ‘Tinubu Must Go’ Meeting, Cite Security Concerns

Members of the group had accused police officers of preventing them from accessing a privately hired venue where they intended to hold a meeting. The movement’s convener, Abba Hikima, alleged in a live video shared on his verified Facebook page that more than 10 mobile police vehicles were deployed around the facility.

Hikima described the development as an infringement on the group’s civic rights, insisting that members did not need police permission to meet and express their political views.

After reportedly being unable to access the venue, members of the movement took to the streets, chanting “Tinubu Must Go” and waving flags bearing the group’s slogan.

Responding to the allegations, Bakori said the police recognised the organisers’ right to assemble but maintained that advance communication would have helped the command prepare for the gathering, which was expected to attract approximately 700 participants.

The commissioner said he learnt about the planned event through social media and contacted Hikima to discuss the arrangements. According to Bakori, he asked the organiser to postpone the meeting and visit the command so they could discuss the necessary security measures.

He added that Hikima had indicated he would consult other members of the movement before responding, but subsequent attempts to reach him were unsuccessful.

Bakori maintained that the command had no intention of stopping the group from exercising its rights, noting that police had provided security for political activities organised by different groups in the state.

He said the police wanted to understand the nature and scale of the gathering to protect participants and other residents and prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

The commissioner also referred to a recent security incident in Kano’s Sabon Gari area, where, according to him, police seized weapons and arrested individuals who claimed to have travelled to the state for political activities. He said investigations into that incident were ongoing.

However, Hikima criticised the police leadership, including Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu and Bakori, accusing them of allowing political considerations to influence their responsibilities.

The movement’s convener maintained that the police action violated members’ rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. He vowed that the group would continue organising protests and demonstrations.

The incident has renewed debate over the balance between citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and the responsibility of security agencies to maintain public order.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia