Governor Abba Yusuf has urged the immediate removal of the state’s Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, accusing him of bias and misconduct that he says endangers peace in Kano.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Yusuf expressed anger over what he described as the commissioner’s directive for police to withdraw from the Independence Day celebrations just hours before the event.
The governor labelled the move as sabotage and a dereliction of constitutional responsibility, stressing that Bakori’s continued presence in Kano poses a danger to security.
He further alleged that the commissioner is serving political interests opposed to the will of Kano residents, calling him a “political police officer” undermining democratic values.
This call follows two days after Bakori announced the arrest of 105 suspects tied to 30 major crimes, with significant recoveries of arms and stolen items in September.
The Nigerian Police Force has yet to respond officially to Yusuf’s claims.
Yusuf said, “The police must never be seen as tools of politicians. They are expected to protect all Nigerians, regardless of political leanings. Unfortunately, CP Bakori has turned himself into a willing instrument of division and insecurity in Kano State.”
The governor noted he was echoing the concerns of Kano stakeholders and residents present at the 2025 Independence Day Celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, while urging President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Inspector General of Police to remove Bakori and replace him with a neutral officer who would restore fairness and trust in policing the state.
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property, Yusuf praised other security agencies for their cooperation.
According to The Nation, police spokesman Abdullahi Kiyawa, a superintendent of police, said he would later address the matter.
