CP requested to probe reported deaths of more than 30 individuals during Kano demolitions

The Mallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association, on behalf of the victims of the Kano demolitions, has made an urgent appeal to Muhammad Gumel, the state commissioner of police, asking him to look into the allegations that over thirty people died during the demolition.

The victims requested that Governor Abba Yusuf, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, be the subject of a CP investigation.

“So far, we have over 30 people who have died either from shock or beating, while so many others are today paralysed, with some with serious injuries,” the victims said, speaking through their attorney, Barrister Maaruf Yakasai, on Thursday at the NUJ Press Centre, Kano.

Maaruf pointed out that the state government only paid N1 billion of the N3 billion it had committed to pay following the agreement to resolve the case out of court.

“That being said, we are talking about the fact that, following the civil case aspect of the demolition, there is still a criminal aspect, and we are requesting that Police Commissioner Muhammad Usaini Gumel launch an investigation into the matter,” he continued.

“We demand an investigation into criminal charges against the Governor, his SSG, and Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso regarding the demolition, as otters are currently losing their lives and some people are suffering severe humiliation.”

“The matter should be thoroughly investigated.”

In light of this, we are pleading with the Police Commissioner to order the opening of a criminal investigation into the matter in order to guarantee that we receive justice.

“As a result of the torture, many people are impoverished, some have died, and we are pleading with you, the Police Commissioner, to carry out an exhaustive criminal investigation into the matter, particularly with regard to the offences against the property owners and humanity.”