Kano begins probe into looting, destruction during #EndBadGovernance protest

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Monday inaugurated a 14-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry (JCI) on the destruction and looting of public and private property during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano.

Governor Yusuf specifically charged the panel, headed by retired Justice Lawan Wada Mahmoud, to investigate the invasion of the High Court complex and the theft of critical legal documents, including criminal case files, during the violent protest.

Although the Federal High Court in Kano ruled against further activities of two panels of inquiry previously inaugurated by the Governor, for parading serving Justices as Chairmen, Governor Yusuf directed the new panel, headed by a retired Justice, not to spare anyone found culpable.

Governor Yusuf lamented the level of economic sabotage during the protest, including the destruction and looting of the ICT hub established by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and the Kano State Printing Press. He vowed to prosecute the perpetrators, regardless of their status in society.

“You have the liberty to invite, investigate, and prosecute anyone involved in or who sponsored the looting and destruction during the protest in Kano. No matter the status of such a person in Kano and in Nigeria, we will bring them to book.”

“The panel is encouraged to investigate those hoodlums arrested for looting, and what motivated their actions. Let me restate that no matter the position of the perpetrators in Kano and in Nigeria, we will bring them to justice.”

“The panel should also be encouraged to investigate the theft of vital documents and criminal files, exhibits including firearms, Judges’ wigs, and other critical documents at the high court complex. It was not the best of times for Kano”.

During the inspection of the complex, Governor Yusuf had raised alarm over the theft of criminal files including the documents of alleged criminal charges against the immediate past Governor.

While challenging the retired Justice Mahmoud-led panel to discharge the entrusted responsibility without fear or favour, Yusuf reminded that the selection of members of the panel was based on integrity, trust and credibility.

The Governor however stressed the panel would remain independent and pledged not to interfere in the activities of the panel.

Shortly after taking the oath of office, the chairman of the panel, Justice Mahmoud appreciated the government for finding them worthy of the appointment. The Chairman expressed the readiness of members of the panel to discharge the entrusted responsibility diligently.

Members of the panel include Barr. Tajudeen Funsho, former NBA Chairman Barr. Sagir Suleiman Gezawa, Prof. Musa Borodo, Dr. Saidu Ahmad Dukawa and Amb. Ibrahim Waiya among others.