The Kano State Police Command has invited the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) candidate for Gwale Constituency, Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, for questioning over an alleged unlawful display and firing of a firearm during a political gathering in the state.
Warkal was invited after the command reportedly came across a video clip during its routine cyber patrol, which allegedly showed the politician openly displaying a firearm suspected to be a pump-action rifle at a political event.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, saying Warkal was at the State Intelligence Department of the command in Bompai, Kano, where he was being interrogated.
According to Kiyawa, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, directed that the NDC candidate be invited after the video surfaced on social media.
The police said the alleged display and use of the firearm, if established, could constitute a violation of the Firearms Act and raise concerns about public safety and the maintenance of peace during the political season.
The development followed the circulation of a video on social media which allegedly showed Warkal firing a firearm three times into the air during a political gathering at Unguwar Jan Bulo in Kano.
Eyewitnesses who spoke about the incident alleged that the shooting occurred shortly after Warkal arrived at the gathering, which was organised to receive campaign materials donated in support of the NDC candidate for Gwale Federal Constituency, Muhammad Hamisu UK.
According to the accounts, Warkal allegedly fired two shots into the air before firing a third shot.
The eyewitnesses further alleged that he attempted to fire another shot but was prevented by security personnel attached to him and some members of the gathering.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged shooting have yet to be fully established, and the police investigation is expected to determine what transpired and whether any law was violated.
Kiyawa said the command would not tolerate acts capable of undermining public order, including lawlessness, political thuggery and the unlawful display or use of firearms.
He stressed that the police would take appropriate action irrespective of the political status or affiliation of anyone found to have violated the law.
“The command will not tolerate acts of lawlessness, thuggery or the display of weapons capable of threatening public peace, irrespective of the status of those involved,” Kiyawa said.
The police spokesperson also called on political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to conduct their activities peacefully and within the provisions of the law.
He urged political actors to comply with the Electoral Act, Firearms Act and other relevant legislation governing political activities and public safety.
The invitation comes amid increased political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and their candidates stepping up rallies, meetings and mobilisation exercises across the country.
The police said maintaining peace during the political season remained a collective responsibility, particularly as large gatherings and campaign activities could create opportunities for confrontation if not properly managed.
Kiyawa assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order across the state.
He added that the police would continue to monitor political activities and respond to incidents that could threaten public safety before, during and after the election period.
The investigation into the alleged firearm display is expected to establish the identity and nature of the weapon seen in the video, the circumstances surrounding the reported shots and whether the candidate or any other individual breached existing firearms and public-order laws.
Until the investigation is concluded, the allegations against Warkal remain unproven.
