The Kano State Police Command has questioned a politician, Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, after a video allegedly showing him displaying a firearm during a political gathering circulated on social media.
The command said the video was detected by its cyber patrol team as part of routine monitoring of online activities, prompting the police to invite Warkal to its headquarters in Bompai for questioning.
According to the police, the firearm seen in the video was suspected to be a pump-action rifle, although the command did not disclose whether the weapon had been recovered or establish that it was actually a firearm covered by the relevant provisions of the law.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.
The police said the alleged display of the weapon, if established after investigation, could constitute a violation of the Firearms Act and raise concerns about public safety.
The command also said the alleged conduct had the potential to create fear, intimidate members of the public and undermine peace and security, particularly in a period of heightened political activity.
The statement said the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, directed that Warkal be invited to provide clarification over the video and circumstances surrounding the alleged possession and display of the weapon.
“On the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, SFIPMA, MNIM, MNIPS, MASIS, the said Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Warkal was invited to the Command Headquarters, Bompai, Kano,” the statement said.
The command said Warkal was subsequently at its State Intelligence Department, where investigators were handling the matter.
It did not disclose the details of the questions put to the politician or whether he had offered an explanation regarding the firearm allegedly displayed in the video.
The police also did not say whether the weapon had been seized, whether Warkal had a valid licence for any firearm he may possess, or whether any other person seen in the video had been invited for questioning.
The command’s decision to investigate the incident comes against the backdrop of increasing political activities in Kano ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political parties, aspirants, supporters and various political groups have increasingly begun organising meetings and mobilisation activities, making security concerns surrounding public gatherings and political events a major issue for law enforcement agencies.
The Commissioner of Police therefore warned political actors and their supporters against actions capable of creating tension or threatening public safety.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly warns that the Command will not tolerate any act of lawlessness, thuggery, or display of weapons capable of threatening public peace, irrespective of the status of the person involved,” the statement said.
Bakori further directed political actors, their supporters and other stakeholders to conduct their activities peacefully and within the provisions of relevant laws.
The command specifically urged political gladiators to ensure that their activities promote peace, tolerance and respect for the rule of law as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
It reminded political stakeholders that political participation and mobilisation must be conducted within the legal framework governing public order, firearms and elections.
The police also advised political actors and their supporters to avoid conduct that could heighten tension, provoke confrontation or undermine the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
The command said it remained committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring that Kano remained peaceful before, during and after the political season.
It stressed that its investigation into the alleged firearm display was still ongoing.
As of the time of the statement, the police had not announced any criminal charge against Warkal in connection with the video. His invitation to the command therefore remains part of an ongoing investigation into the allegation.
The command’s statement also did not disclose whether investigators had established when or where the video was recorded, the identity of other individuals present at the gathering, or the circumstances in which the alleged firearm was displayed.
West Trybe reports that the investigation comes at a time when political activities are intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections, placing greater emphasis on the conduct of political actors and supporters and the responsibility of security agencies to prevent the use or display of weapons from escalating political gatherings into threats to public peace.
