Kano government seeks Ganduje’s arrest over alleged plan to form illegal militia group

The Kano State government has called for the immediate investigation and arrest of the immediate-past governor of the State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, over what it described as an attempt to create an illegal militia group in the state.

Ganduje unveiled plans to establish a Hisbah-like voluntary outfit under the Ganduje Foundation some days ago while reacting to the disengagement of 12,000 personnel dismissed by the Kano State Hisbah Board. Read here.  

The state government who frowned at his comments, made the call for his arrest at the 34th meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) held at the Government House, Kano.

While speaking to newsmen after the SEC meeting, the state Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said the council reviewed recent comments credited to Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, alleging that Kano was vulnerable to banditry and therefore proposing the recruitment of 12,000 youths into a so-called religious police outfit to be called ‘Khairul Nas’.

Waiya said the council considered the remarks as “inciting, reckless, and capable of undermining the security efforts of the Kano State Government and that of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.”

According to him, the council noted with concern that less than 48 hours after the statements were made, suspected bandits infiltrated some border communities in the state, a development it said raised suspicion that the comments might have been premeditated.

“Council reaffirmed its appreciation to the Federal Government and security agencies for their sustained support in securing the state and therefore called for the immediate investigation and arrest of the former Governor for attempting to create an illegal militia group,” Waiya said.

He urged political leaders and public figures to exercise restraint and avoid making pronouncements that could heighten tension or incite unrest, assuring citizens of the government’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property.