The Nigeria Police Force has summoned Aminu Rabilu Tela, a senior official of the Kano Road Maintenance Agency (KARMA), for questioning regarding an alleged defamation case currently under investigation.
According to a letter dated June 10, 2025, signed by ACP Mohammed A. Wakil of the Metropolitan Area Command in Kano, Tela is required to appear before the Area Commander at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, at the Command Headquarters on Bank Road, Kano.
"This office is investigating a case of defamation of character, which was reported and is presently under investigation," the police letter stated, citing Sections 123 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) and 50 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 as the legal basis for the summons.
The letter, addressed to the Managing Director of KARMA, directed that Tela be released to meet with an officer identified as ACO II upon arrival at the command headquarters.
Possible Political Connections
While speaking with journalists, Tela confirmed receiving the police invitation and pledged to comply with the directive. However, he expressed uncertainty about who filed the complaint against him.
"At this moment, we are not aware of who lodged the complaint. However, we suspect it might be linked to internal disagreements among Kwankwasiyya-affiliated scholars. It appears some individuals are attempting to suppress our voices by involving the police," Tela stated.
The reference to Kwankwasiyya suggests possible political dimensions to the case, as the term refers to the political movement associated with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
As of press time, police authorities have not disclosed further information regarding the complainant's identity or the specific nature of the alleged defamation.
The case comes amid growing concerns about the use of defamation charges in Nigeria's political landscape, particularly in states with intense political rivalries like Kano.
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