Despite a previous directive from the state police command, a number of Kano residents have defied it and turned out in large numbers to stage protests on major streets.
According to Naija News, the state police chief, Mohammed Usain Gumel, issued an order on Monday forbidding any sort of protests in Kano State.
The order followed requests from leaders of both the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) for their supporters to gather at key locations in the state to demonstrate against allegations of judicial corruption.
However the state’s police commissioner stated in his order that any attempt to disregard the ban would be prosecuted as a crime against national security.
“Members of the public should therefore note that it has come to our knowledge that both the APC and the NNPP members are currently mobilizing rented crowds in the guise of Civil Society Coalition and without clearance from the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and without prior approval from the security agencies in the state.
“Both organizers, as well as the umbrella body, should note that any attempt to disrespect NLC and the Security Agencies in the state by playing around the fragile security situation, which the combined security agencies have been managing, is not only uncivil, criminal but also an offence against National Security,” Gumel’s directive reads.
However, shortly after the order, some residents converged on the streets and headed for the Government House, Naija News learnt.
More details shortly…
