Allegations of Political Interference Trail Investigation into Death of Kano Man
Allegations of political interference have emerged over the police investigation into the death of Nura, popularly known as Ribado, following a violent incident in Kano State.
Ribado, a resident of Dandago, reportedly died during a clash involving rival groups. While some residents have described him as being linked to criminal activities, authorities have not publicly confirmed any criminal record against him.
Sources familiar with the investigation alleged that attempts were being made by political actors to influence the handling of the case.
The allegations specifically mention supporters of the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau I. Jibrin, including an aide, Hon. Kawu Idris Hausawa. However, no documentary evidence was provided to substantiate the claims.
According to the sources, pressure was allegedly mounted on the Kano State Police Command to arrest and prosecute some young men said to be supporters of the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, in connection with Ribado’s death. The sources further claimed that the individuals honoured police invitations for questioning but were later released after investigators found insufficient evidence to support criminal charges.
One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, also alleged that efforts were being made to have the investigation transferred from the Kano State Police Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The source further claimed that Hon. Hausawa met with the Inspector-General of Police over the matter and was allegedly informed that the case could be transferred to Abuja. Time Express could not independently verify this claim.
Meanwhile, a supporter of the Kano State Deputy Governor, Musa Baba, urged the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that the investigation is conducted professionally and without political influence.
He alleged that the matter was being politicised because of the perceived political rivalry between Sen. Barau and the Deputy Governor, and appealed to the police to remain impartial. Musa Baba also made allegations about Ribado’s past activities. These claims have not been independently verified.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the Kano State Police Command had issued any statement confirming that the investigation had been transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Similarly, Sen. Barau Jibrin and Hon. Kawu Idris Hausawa had not publicly responded to the allegations. Efforts to obtain comments from their offices before publication were unsuccessful.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ribado’s death is ongoing, and no court has determined responsibility for the incident. All persons mentioned in connection with the case remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.