Court stops arrest of Kano gov’s spokesman amid Ganduje’s allegations

A High Court has granted a restraining order against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), DSS, and other security agencies from arresting Malam Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the spokesperson of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The interim injunction, granted on 12th December 2024, shields Dawakin-Tofa from “harassment, detention, and intimidation” by the IGP, DSS, and other security agencies.

The order was also extended to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 1, Commissioner of Police Kano, SP Mojirade Obisiji, DCP Akin Fakorede, Nigerian Civil Defence and Security Corps, and others.

The legal reprieve follows allegations by Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who accused Dawakin-Tofa of orchestrating his suspension at the APC ward level six months ago.

The controversy erupted after Ganduje alleged a conspiracy spearheaded by Dawakin-Tofa, who hails from the same local government as Ganduje, and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)-led Kano State Government. Ganduje claimed they were behind his impending suspension, a move he described as an attempt to cripple his political influence.

Acting on Ganduje’s petition, the IGP summoned Dawakin-Tofa to Abuja, alongside Ganduje’s APC ward executives, citing allegations of conspiracy and actions likely to breach public peace.

This confrontation, rooted in a longstanding power struggle between Kano’s two most prominent political figures, has further strained the already tense relationship between Ganduje and Governor Yusuf.

Dawakin-Tofa, through his legal counsels led by Barr. Haruna Musa Muhammad, countered the invitation with a lawsuit, describing it as a politically motivated move designed to tarnish his reputation and disrupt his duties.

The animosity between Dawakin-Tofa and Ganduje dates back nine years to 2015 when Ganduje, as governor-elect, reportedly ordered Dawakin-Tofa’s arrest over his opposition during that year’s gubernatorial election.

According to suit No. K/M2500/2024, the order of the Court prohibits any action that could infringe upon Dawakin-Tofa’s fundamental rights to liberty, dignity, and freedom of movement.

The court also directed that all legal documents be served to the respondents, including the APC and senior police officers, through special bailiffs.

In this latest twist, Ganduje allegedly briefed the IGP that Dawakin-Tofa was the mastermind behind his suspension by the APC ward executives. Consequently, a team of 40 police officers from the IGP Monitoring Unit was reportedly mobilized to Kano with the sole aim of apprehending the governor’s spokesperson after he declined the IGP’s invitation.

Efforts to reach the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages to his phone went unanswered.

Similarly, Dawakin-Tofa declined to comment on the matter, stating that it is already before the court.

The case is adjourned to 22nd January 2025 for a hearing on the substantive motion.