Daud Olatunji
The Kano State Police Command has invited the National Democratic Congress (NDC) State House of Assembly candidate for Gwale Local Government Area, Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, for questioning over the alleged display of a firearm at a political rally in the state.
Warkal was summoned after a video surfaced online allegedly showing him brandishing what appeared to be a pump-action rifle during a rally held in support of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The video, which has since gone viral on social media, reportedly showed Warkal standing on the running board of an SUV while holding what appeared to be a firearm and gesturing towards supporters.
The development has generated concerns over the alleged presence and display of firearms at political gatherings, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The police said the video was detected during its routine cyber patrol and intelligence-led surveillance across Kano State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
Kiyawa said Warkal was invited to the Kano State Police Command headquarters in Bompai on the directive of the Commissioner and was currently at the State Intelligence Department, where investigation into the matter was ongoing.
The Command said the alleged firearm display, if established, could constitute a violation of the Firearms Act.
The police also warned that the display of weapons in public could create fear, cause intimidation and undermine public peace and security.
The development followed a social media post by an X user, Emma Ik Umeh, who called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the incident.
The user alleged in the post that the firearm was discharged into the air several times during the political gathering and questioned the legality of campaigning with a gun.
However, the allegation that the firearm was actually discharged could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
The police have also not confirmed that the weapon was fired or established whether the firearm allegedly displayed by Warkal was licensed.
Under Nigeria’s Firearms Act, possession of firearms by civilians is subject to licensing requirements. The law also contains provisions against the carrying or use of firearms in circumstances capable of causing fear or threatening public safety.
Similarly, Section 92(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the possession or carrying of offensive weapons, including firearms, at political rallies and processions.
The police commissioner, Bakori, warned that the Command would not tolerate lawlessness, political thuggery or the display of weapons capable of threatening public peace, irrespective of the status of those involved.
He urged political actors, their supporters and other stakeholders to conduct their activities peacefully and comply with the Electoral Act, Firearms Act and other relevant laws.
Bakori said the Command would continue to monitor political activities across the state and take necessary measures to prevent actions capable of triggering violence or disrupting public order.
He also appealed to political stakeholders to promote tolerance, peaceful engagement and respect for the rule of law as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
