‘Citizens must know their rights, how to access legal support’

A civil society organisation, Partners West Africa Nigeria, has called on Nigerians to understand their rights under the Police Act 2020 and learn how to access legal support whenever such rights are infringed. The call was made in Kano during a town hall awareness programme aimed at sensitising members of the public on the provisions […]

A civil society organisation, Partners West Africa Nigeria, has called on Nigerians to understand their rights under the Police Act 2020 and learn how to access legal support whenever such rights are infringed.

The call was made in Kano during a town hall awareness programme aimed at sensitising members of the public on the provisions of the new Police Act and improving police–community relations.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Programme Manager of Partners West Africa Nigeria, Aisha Isa Yusuf, said ignorance of the law often leaves citizens vulnerable to rights violations, stressing the need for continuous public enlightenment.

“Our target is to sensitise citizens to know their rights, recognise when those rights are being infringed and, most importantly, know where to go to seek legal support whenever the need arises,” she said.

Yusuf explained that the town hall brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, market women associations, youth groups, women organisations and members of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Network.

According to her, the engagement was designed to empower participants with knowledge of the Police Act 2020 so they could better understand the limits of police powers and their own obligations as citizens.

“We want people to arm themselves with knowledge of the law. Citizens should not only know their rights but should also be confident enough to seek redress and engage civil society organisations when those rights are violated,” she added.

Participants at the meeting said the programme helped clarify the procedures of arrest and the distinction between lawful police duties and abuse of power.

 

Police, others move to tackle hate speech, fake news

The Kano State Police Command has warned that individuals found promoting hate speech and fake news will face the full weight of the law, as security agencies and civil society organisations intensify efforts to safeguard peace ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, gave the warning on Tuesday in Kano at a police–civil society summit focused on addressing social biases, hate speech and misinformation.

Bakori said the summit was organised in line with a directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to develop effective strategies for tackling the growing menace of hate speech and fake news, particularly on social media.

He lamented that the spread of misinformation now poses a serious threat to peaceful coexistence in the state, warning that it could undermine Kano’s cultural values, fuel violence and hinder socio-economic development.

“The media space is awash with hate speech and fake news, which can ignite conflict, disrupt social harmony and threaten our peaceful coexistence,” the commissioner said.

He stressed that maintaining peace was a collective responsibility, calling on journalists, social media users, influencers, community leaders and other stakeholders to join hands with the police in promoting mutual respect and stability.

Bakori said the command would not allow “a few individuals” to destabilise the state, adding that decisive action would be taken against those spreading misinformation or inciting violence.

“As the year 2026 begins, I urge everyone to exercise caution and responsibility in their words and actions,” he added.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Aminu Magashi Garba (AMG) Foundation, Aminu Magashi Garba, said the build-up to elections often comes with heightened tension, hate speech and fake news, noting that history appeared to be repeating itself ahead of the 2027 polls.

He assured the police of the foundation’s commitment to working closely with security agencies and youth-focused organisations over the next 12 months to counter misinformation and hate speech in the state.

Garba disclosed that the foundation plans to organise training sessions for spokespersons of political parties in Kano to promote factual communication while campaigning, as well as identify and train young people as peer educators and “youth champions” against fake news.

He also pledged renewed support for improved communication and intelligence-sharing within the police, similar to initiatives supported by the foundation ahead of the 2023 elections.

“We will be very busy in the next one year to ensure Kano remains safe,” he said, calling for broader collaboration among stakeholders.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Community Policing, Ambassador Maimuna Umar, commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to strengthening security and supporting law enforcement agencies in the state.

She described community policing as a critical tool for maintaining peace, stressing the need for synergy among security agencies, communities, youths and women.

Umar urged young people, particularly social media users, to reject hate speech and misinformation, warning that online actions could have real-life consequences.

She encouraged youths to become digital ambassadors for peace by promoting positive content, calling out hate speech and using social media to educate, empower and unite communities.

The summit brought together security agencies, civil society groups, youth organisations and other stakeholders to chart a common front against hate speech and fake news in Kano State.