CP Bakori Declares Zero Tolerance for Hate Speech, Fake News in Kano
The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, has declared a zero-tolerance policy against individuals using social media and traditional media platforms to incite violence or spread misinformation in the state.
CP Bakori issued the warning on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, during a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop titled “Promoting Peace by Combating Hate Speeches and Fake News” held at the Khalifa Isyaka Rabiu University (KHAIRUN), Gadon Kaya.
The event was organised in partnership with the Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) and the Aminu Magashi Garba Foundation (AMGF).
Rising Threat of Digital Misinformation
Addressing a diverse audience of community leaders, journalists, political actors and social media influencers, CP Bakori expressed concern over what he described as the growing spread of hate speech, misinformation and fake news capable of undermining the peace currently enjoyed in Kano State.
“The media are currently awash with hate speeches and fake news, which pose a significant threat to our peaceful coexistence,” Bakori said. “These menaces undermine our values, hinder development, and can ignite conflicts that disrupt social harmony.”
He warned that unchecked digital incitement could damage Kano’s socio-economic growth and its long-standing reputation as a peaceful and hospitable state.
Enforcement Backed by IGP’s Directives
The Police Commissioner disclosed that, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, the Kano Command has intensified surveillance of digital communication channels and strengthened mechanisms to track and prosecute offenders.
CP Bakori stressed that the Command would move beyond sensitisation to enforcement where necessary.
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“We will not allow a few individuals to destabilise Kano State for personal or political interests. Anyone found promoting incitement or peddling falsehood will face the full weight of the law,” he stated.
Call for Responsible Influence
As the 2026 calendar unfolds, the Commissioner urged journalists and social media influencers to act as “vanguards of peace,” emphasising that security remains a collective responsibility.
“I call on all stakeholders to join forces with us. Let us foster a culture of tolerance that attracts investment and improves the quality of life for all residents,” he added.
CP Bakori also commended YOSPIS and AMGF for organising the workshop, noting that partnerships between law enforcement and civil society organisations are critical to building resilience against the “infectious” spread of social vices.
High-Level Participation
The workshop attracted key government, security and academic stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, represented by Alhaji Shehu Muhammad; the State Director of Security, Department of State Services (DSS), represented by Dr. Ahmad Saleh; and the representative of the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Also present were the Vice Chancellor of KHAIRUN, Professor Abdulrashid Garba; the Special Adviser on Youth and Sports, Hon. Alhaji Sani Musa Danja; the Chairman of AMGF, Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba; the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State, Amb. Maimuna Umar Sheriff; and the Lead Discussant, Dr. Bala Mohammed of Bayero University Kano.
Political party representatives, journalists, civil society organisations, social media influencers, senior police officers and other invited guests also attended the event.
The workshop concluded with participants resolving to promote responsible media reportage and safeguard future generations from the divisive impact of digital misinformation.
By PRNigeria
