Women lawyers urge IGP to retain Kano CP amid governor’s call for removal

The Women Lawyers Congress on Thursday staged a protest along Tukur Road in Kano, calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to disregard the request by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, seeking the redeployment of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori. Governor Yusuf, during Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary […]

The Women Lawyers Congress on Thursday staged a protest along Tukur Road in Kano, calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to disregard the request by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, seeking the redeployment of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

Governor Yusuf, during Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary on October 1, had called for the redeployment of Bakori, accusing him of withdrawing police personnel and boycotting the ceremonial parade at Sani Abacha Stadium.

The protest, led by the chairperson of the association, Barrister Nafisa Abba Isma’il, expressed strong opposition to the governor’s demand, describing it as politically motivated and detrimental to the fragile security situation in the state.

“At a time when the responsibility of our dear state is under threat, such a move only raises further questions about the true intentions of those in authority. It is worrisome that critical security challenges confronting Kano State are being overlooked,” she said.

The lawyers accused the governor of neglecting police operations and undermining their effectiveness. They alleged that official requests by the Assistant Inspector of Police to meet the governor over security matters were ignored, adding that such actions weakened peace efforts in the state.

Isma’il further cited the release of over 300 suspected political thugs arrested during the recent Kano bye-election as an example of political interference eroding the rule of law.

“The alarming rise of political thuggery, ballot snatching and the menace of Daba gangs continues to endanger the lives of citizens. Government should protect the people, not embolden criminals,” she added.

The protesters urged the IGP to continue backing the commissioner in his efforts to safeguard lives and property in Kano.

 

CSO urges probe

Meanwhile, a Kano-based civil society organisation, One Kano Agenda, has called on the federal government to probe the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of police personnel during the Independence Day parade.

Speaking at a press conference, the group’s convener, Comrade Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai, described the incident as “an affront to the spirit of independence itself,” noting that while other states celebrated fully, Kano’s event was disrupted.

He urged the federal government to hold those responsible accountable, warning that national occasions should not be undermined by political rivalry.