A coalition of 20 civil society and community organizations in Kano State has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged inciting remarks made by former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Usman Alhaji.
The petition, submitted through the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone One, Kano, focuses on a press release dated May 30, 2025, issued by the APC Patriotic Volunteers and signed by Alhaji Usman Alhaji.
Allegations of Financial Misappropriation
According to the coalition, the former SSG accused the Kano State Government of misappropriating a $6.6 million foreign loan. The petitioners described these remarks as "reckless and inflammatory," warning that such allegations could potentially incite public anger and disrupt peace in the state.
The coalition further alleged that Alhaji's statement distorted facts about sensitive issues, particularly the long-running Rimin Zakara land dispute involving Bayero University Kano. They clarified that the land in question is federal property, and the state government only intervened to maintain peace by establishing a neutral committee and offering compensation to affected residents.
Comments on Ongoing Legal Matters
Another point of contention raised in the petition concerns Alhaji's alleged comments regarding the demolition of structures at Filin Idi, Daula Hotel premises, and the Race Course. The coalition emphasized that these matters are currently before the courts and accused the former SSG of attempting to influence public opinion and create tension around ongoing legal processes.
"By making provocative statements on cases sub judice, Alhaji Usman Alhaji not only undermines the integrity of our judiciary but also risks violating court protocols," the petition stated.
The coalition questioned the intention behind Alhaji's remarks, describing them as a deliberate attempt to polarize the public and discredit the state's leadership. "Such conduct is deeply unbecoming of a statesman of his stature and threatens the fragile peace and social fabric of our dear state," they added.
Call for Investigation
The petitioners have called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the statement and to caution the APC Patriotic Volunteers against future actions that could endanger public order.
The petition was endorsed by Tijjani Sarki, Convener, and Abbas Abdullahi, Secretary of the Kano Legacy Group, with support from 18 other organizations. Among the signatories were the Inter-Tribe Community Support Forum, Women Democracy Monitors, Igbo Community Association, Creative Mind Initiative, Youth Mobilization, Arewa Youth Vanguard, and the League of Kano Loyalists.
A copy of the disputed press release was attached to the petition submitted to the police authorities. As of the time of this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official response to the petition.
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