As part of efforts to maintain peace in the state following the sacking of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigerian People’s Party by the state’s Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, the Kano State Police Command has declare 24-hour curfew.
Also, security was beefed up across the Kano metropolis on Wednesday shortly after the ruling of the three-man election tribunal led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay.
The tribunal declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Nasir Gawuna, as the winner of the March 2023 governorship election held in the state.
Confirming the curfew in a statement, Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Gumel, announced that the restriction took effect from 6 pm on Wednesday to 6 pm on Thursday (today).
Gumel vowed to ensure strict compliance with the order, warning that defaulters would be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.
The statement reads in part: “A 24-hour curfew order has been communicated by the state government via letter with reference no: K/SEC/H/435/T.1/153 dated 20th September 2023 taking effect from 6pm of Wednesday, 20th September to 6pm of Thursday, 21st September 2023.
“In view of the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force alongside the relevant internal security and law enforcement agencies to preserve law and order in the state, the Kano State Police Command has mapped out strategies in that direction and called on the good people of the state to give the necessary confidence and support.
“Going forward, Kano State residents are called upon to note that combined security forces have already been dispatched to the nooks and crannies including the entry and exits of the state to ensure enforcement and strict compliance of the curfew. Violators will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.’’
“Finally, I wish to appreciate all the peace-loving people of the state and urge them to remain law-abiding as it’s in the best interest of all that we come together to maintain law and order in the state,” Gumel added.
Before the curfew was imposed, apprehensive traders had hurriedly locked up their shops across the major markets and shopping plazas as residents rushed home after the tribunal invalidated Yusuf’s election as Kano State governor.
The court ordered the withdrawal of the certificate of return from Yusuf and directed that a new one should be issued to Gawuna.
The panel had commenced proceedings via Zoom, transmitting the proceedings at the Miller Road venue of the tribunal.
Truth Live News reported earlier that following the judgement, governor Yusuf vowed to file an appeal.