Kano Court Halts Arrest of Gov. Abba’s Spokesperson Amid Ganduje’s Allegations
In a notable development underscoring the intensifying political rivalry in Kano, a High Court has issued a restraining order against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies, preventing them from arresting Malam Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the Director General of Media and Publicity for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
This legal reprieve comes in response to allegations made by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who accused Dawakin-Tofa of orchestrating his suspension at the APC ward level six months prior.
The court granted the ex-parte order on December 12, 2024, protecting Dawakin-Tofa from what his legal team described as “harassment and intimidation.”
The order also extends to several high-ranking officers, including the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Zone 1, the Kano Commissioner of Police, and SP Mojirade Obisiji.
According to suit No. K/M2500/2024, the order prohibits any actions that could violate Dawakin-Tofa’s fundamental rights to liberty, dignity, and freedom of movement.
The controversy arose following Ganduje’s allegations of a conspiracy led by Dawakin-Tofa, who shares the same local government as Ganduje, in collaboration with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)-led Kano State Government. Ganduje claimed they were behind his potential suspension, labeling it an attempt to undermine his political influence.
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In response to Ganduje’s petition, the IGP had summoned Dawakin-Tofa to Abuja, alongside Ganduje’s APC ward executives, citing allegations of conspiracy and actions likely to disrupt public peace.
This confrontation exemplifies the ongoing power struggle between Kano’s two prominent political figures, exacerbating the already strained relationship between Ganduje and Governor Yusuf.
Dawakin-Tofa, represented by his legal counsel led by Barr. Haruna Musa Muhammad, contested the invitation with a lawsuit, characterizing it as a politically motivated effort designed to damage his reputation and interfere with his official responsibilities.
The court also mandated that all legal documents be served to the respondents, including the APC and senior police officers, via special bailiffs.
The animosity between Dawakin-Tofa and Ganduje dates back to 2015 when Ganduje, then governor-elect, allegedly ordered Dawakin-Tofa’s arrest over his dissent during that year’s gubernatorial election.
In this latest development, Ganduje reportedly informed the IGP that Dawakin-Tofa was the mastermind behind his suspension by the APC ward executives. Consequently, a team of 40 police officers from the IGP Monitoring Unit was allegedly dispatched to Kano with the intent of apprehending the governor’s spokesperson after he declined the IGP’s invitation.
Efforts to contact the National Police Spokesperson (FPPRO) for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages went unanswered.
Similarly, Dawakin-Tofa refrained from commenting on the situation, stating that the matter is currently before the court.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 22, 2025.
By PRNigeria
