Police Launch Probe Into Attack On El-Rufai’s Political Meeting In Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command has opened a full-scale investigation into a political meeting allegedly linked to former governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, which turned violent with sporadic gunshots on Saturday.
According to the Command, the gathering was said to have been organised under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition without prior notice to security agencies, despite repeated warnings.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said preliminary findings revealed that “political gangsters and thugs attached to the former Governor” were involved in the shooting that disrupted public peace and order.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the gathering led to a clash, during which thugs and political gangsters attached to the former Governor allegedly fired gunshots, causing chaos and disruption of public order and peace in the state,” the statement read.
Hassan stressed that no one found culpable would be spared, adding that nobody was above the law.
He disclosed that the Command had contacted the ADC leadership to clarify the matter, but party officials denied knowledge of such a meeting and distanced themselves from any gathering linked to El-Rufai.
“The Command wishes to state categorically that the investigation is ongoing, and anyone found culpable, irrespective of his personality and no matter how highly placed, if he acted contrary to the law, will face the full weight of the law.
“The police command further launched an inquiry from the ADC party secretariat to keep the records straight. According to the party officials, they denied knowing of any meetings and refuted the claim of the organisers. The ADC leadership reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law and distanced themselves from the claims of the former Governor,” Hassan said.
He further warned that hotels, event centres and similar facilities would henceforth be held liable if they host political gatherings without notifying security agencies.
“Any hotel, event centre, or similar facility that permits political meetings or gatherings without prior notification to the Police or other relevant security agencies will equally be held liable.
“This measure is to ensure due process is followed and to prevent thugs or miscreants from hijacking such gatherings to cause mayhem or breakdown of law and order,” he added.
The Command announced that all unauthorised political gatherings across the state had been suspended until proper security arrangements are in place.
“In the interest of peace and public safety, the Command further announces that all such unauthorised gatherings are to be suspended until due process and proper security arrangements are ensured,” Hassan stated.
OSUN DEFENDER earlier reported that suspected political thugs disrupted the inauguration of a Kaduna opposition transition committee, attacking participants and destroying property.
The committee had members from an APC faction opposed to the state leadership, alongside PDP, SDP, NNPP, LP, and ADC representatives.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
