KANO POLICE INVITE NDC CANDIDATE WARKAL OVER ALLEGED GUN DISPLAY AT OBI-KWANKWASO RALLY

The Kano State Police Command has invited Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, a candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Kano State House of Assembly, for questioning over the alleged display of a firearm during a political gathering.

Warkal was invited after a video circulated on social media purportedly showing him openly displaying what appeared to be a pump-action rifle while surrounded by supporters at a political event in Kano.

The politician is a candidate for the Gwale State House of Assembly seat and is associated with the Kwankwasiyya political movement led by former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The gathering was reportedly held in support of the NDC’s presidential ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections. Reports said Warkal was seen standing on the running board of an SUV while holding the firearm and gesturing towards supporters.

The Kano Police Command said its cyber patrol team came across the video while monitoring social media platforms as part of its intelligence-led surveillance operations across the state.

In a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the police said the firearm was suspected to be a pump-action rifle and that the alleged display was being investigated.

According to the police, if established, the alleged act could constitute a violation of the Firearms Act and could create fear, intimidate members of the public and threaten public peace and security.

Following the discovery of the video, the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, directed Warkal to report to the command headquarters in Bompai for questioning.

The police said Warkal was at the State Intelligence Department of the command as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged firearm display continued.

There have also been allegations on social media that the firearm was discharged during the political gathering. However, the police have not confirmed that the weapon was fired, while the available reports do not independently establish that shots were discharged.

The police have also not publicly confirmed whether the firearm allegedly displayed by Warkal was licensed or whether he has been formally charged with an offence.

The development has raised concerns over the presence of weapons at political gatherings as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.

The police commissioner warned that the command would not tolerate lawlessness, political thuggery or the display of weapons capable of threatening public peace, regardless of the political status of those involved.

Bakori further urged politicians, political supporters and other stakeholders to conduct their activities peacefully and comply with the Electoral Act, Firearms Act and other relevant laws governing political activities.

The command said it would continue monitoring political activities across Kano State and take necessary measures against actions capable of threatening public safety or disrupting public order.

The case also comes amid broader warnings from electoral authorities over the potential for political violence as parties and candidates begin intensifying mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

For now, the investigation into the alleged firearm display remains ongoing, and no final determination has been made regarding whether Warkal committed an offence. The outcome of the police inquiry is expected to determine whether further legal action will be taken against the NDC candidate.