The Kano State Police Command has transferred 76 individuals, including a foreign national, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for a thorough investigation on charges of sedition. The suspects were reportedly apprehended for flying Russian flags during the recent nationwide protests against hunger, which escalated into violence in several parts of northern Nigeria.

During a press briefing on Monday, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, provided updates on the ongoing investigations and the arrests made in connection with the unrest.

“In accordance with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Kano Command has worked diligently and professionally to address the aftermath of these events,” Garba said. “These efforts have resulted in the arrest of 873 suspects and the recovery of a significant quantity of evidence.”

Garba further disclosed that the 76 suspects, detained for flying Russian flags during the protests, have been transferred to Abuja for further investigation.

“We have also transferred a foreign national, who was among those arrested, to the Force Headquarters for a discreet investigation on charges of sedition,” he added.

The commissioner revealed that 150 individuals have been arrested and are currently being prosecuted for violating the curfew imposed by the Kano State government during the protests. Additionally, six suspects were apprehended for their alleged involvement in acts of destruction, arson, and the looting of the Kano Printing Press.

“In addition to these arrests, 600 suspects are facing prosecution for various offences, including criminal conspiracy, incitement to public disturbance, rioting, theft, mischief, and arson,” Garba continued. He also mentioned that the police had recovered substantial amounts of stolen property, including two AK-47 rifles, from the suspects.

Despite the challenges posed by the recent protests, Garba highlighted the achievements of the Kano State Police Command in crime prevention and control. “Through proactive policing strategies and community engagement, we have successfully recorded significant successes within the period under review, including the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, five suspected armed robbers, and eight suspected car thieves,” he said.

In a related development, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf announced on Monday the indefinite suspension of the curfew imposed following the violence during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

This announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Information, Halilu Baba Dantiye, who stated that the decision was taken after a thorough assessment of the security situation in the state. The curfew had initially been enforced in response to the violent protests, which led to the looting and destruction of both public and private properties across Kano.