Protest in Kano.
A confirmed fatality occurred in a recent protest in Kano State triggered by an Appeal Court decision that ousted Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Salisu Rabiu, identified as a footballer, is among those shot by police dispersing protesters in the fourth demonstration since the appellate court’s decision on November 17, 2023, which removed Governor Abba Yusuf and declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the March poll.
During Wednesday’s protest, demonstrators gathered in various locations across the state, brandishing placards with messages such as ‘Our mandate must be restored,’ ‘Kano voted for Abba,’ and ‘Injustice exposed in CTC,’ among others.
Wearing the color red associated with the Kwankwasiyya socio-religious movement, led by NNPP 2023 presidential candidate and former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the protesters voiced their discontent through solidarity songs.
Police officers were observed positioned at different entry points of the state. The demonstrators obstructed the route connecting to Katsina State, hindering travelers from commuting.
According to a statement from the state’s police spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, the demise of one of the protesters was verified in the Fagge Local Government Area of the state.
The statement partly read, “Police Inspector who did not receive any command from the existing chain of Command fired a shot and unfortunately wounded two persons with one other person died while receiving treatment at the hospital”.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Gumel, directed the Area Commander Dala, ACP NuhuDigi to fish out the erring police inspector with a view to constituting a board of inquiry into the cause of the incident of which the outcome will be communicated to the public.
“Few hours later, the Police Inspector has since been arrested and is now in Police custody.”
The police expressed remorse over the protester’s death and extended condolences to the deceased’s family.
Protest Spreads to Abuja A parallel protest ignited in Abuja on Wednesday as NNPP leaders contested the appellate court’s decision.
Originating from the party’s headquarters in Abuja, the protest expanded to the ECOWAS Secretariat, the United Nations Office, and several embassies in the capital.
The demonstrators aimed to bring awareness to Nigerians and the international community regarding the developments in Kano following the appellate court’s ruling on the governorship election.