The Kano State Police Command has arraigned 333 suspected thugs arrested during the re-run election for Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency and the by-election for Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency, held on Saturday, 16 August 2025.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this on Monday while giving an update on the aftermath of the polls.
According to him, all the arrested suspects were charged before Magistrate Courts No. 20, 27 and 44 at No-man’s-land, as well as Magistrate Courts No. 8 and 53 at Gyadi-Gyadi in Kano, for prosecution over a range of electoral offences.
The charges include criminal conspiracy, disorderly conduct, possession of offensive weapons, intimidation, loitering without lawful excuse after voting or being prevented from voting, snatching or destruction of election materials, improper use of vehicles, and soliciting votes on election day, among others.
The Commissioner explained that the elections were conducted under tense conditions, as individuals attempted to subvert the process by importing large numbers of thugs from within and outside the state. He confirmed that during the exercise in Ghari, Bagwai and Shanono local government areas, security operatives apprehended 333 suspects.
Bakori said items recovered from those arrested included one pump action rifle, five locally made guns, 94 long sticks (Gora), 16 swords, 18 cutlasses and 32 locally made ‘Barandami’ weapons. Others were 28 knives, one bow, 23 arrows, seven catapults, 45 stones, 14 motor vehicles, two ballot boxes, 163 thumb-printed ballot papers, and ₦4,048,000 in cash.
He assured that the police remain resolute in ensuring that justice is delivered and that those bent on undermining the democratic process face the law.
The Commissioner commended the combined security agencies for their professionalism, coordinated efforts and resilience during the elections, noting that their swift response prevented further escalation of violence and safeguarded voters, electoral officials and the public.
Bakori appealed to residents of Kano State to remain law-abiding and extend cooperation to security agencies, stressing that public safety requires the active participation of all citizens.
