Political tensions in Kano State have escalated as Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has summoned Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the spokesperson to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to appear at the Force Headquarters in Abuja for questioning.
The police invitation, contained in an official letter dated May 23, 2025, is connected to the controversial 2024 suspension of APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, from the party by his ward executives.
Allegations Against Governor's Aide
According to the letter signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Akin Fakorede, Dawakin-Tofa is being investigated for criminal defamation, impersonation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. The police believe he played a significant role in orchestrating Ganduje's temporary removal from the party.
The IGP has requested the Kano State Government to release Dawakin-Tofa to appear before SP Mojirode B. Obisiji at the Force Headquarters on May 29, 2025.
History of Political Rivalry
This is not the first time Dawakin-Tofa has faced police scrutiny over this matter. In December 2024, a similar arrest order was issued, triggering a legal battle between the police and the Kano government.
The political feud between Ganduje and Dawakin-Tofa dates back to 2015 when Ganduje, then governor-elect, allegedly ordered Dawakin-Tofa's arrest over political opposition. Both men hail from the same area in Kano, adding a personal dimension to their rivalry.
In 2024, Ganduje was suspended by his ward's APC executive committee—a move the party later disowned but one that created significant political ripples. Ganduje directly accused Dawakin-Tofa of orchestrating the suspension to diminish his political influence in Kano.
Legal Battles Continue
Following the initial police action against him last year, Dawakin-Tofa secured a court order protecting him from arrest, detention, or harassment. The injunction covered not only the IGP but also the DSS, Civil Defence, and senior police officers involved in the case.
Despite this legal protection, the latest police summons indicates the matter remains active. Dawakin-Tofa's legal team has appealed a ruling by a Kano High Court that dismissed his suit against Ganduje and the police, with hopes that the Court of Appeal will provide relief.
Political observers note that tensions in Kano are intensifying, particularly with the 2027 general elections on the horizon, as power struggles between rival factions continue to shape the state's political landscape.
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