Kano Police Commissioner Explains Why 'Tinubu Must Go' Venue Was Blocked: "There Is Nothing Political About This"

By Trending9ja Staff • October 11, 2026 • 3 min read

Photo: Legit.ng

Kano State Police Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu Bakori has defended the blockade of a 'Tinubu Must Go' (TMG) meeting venue on Sunday, saying officers were deployed to protect attendees and residents. He acknowledged that TMG members have the right to organise under Nigerian law.

He told DCL Hausa that he phoned convener Abba Hikima the night before, after seeing social media posts, and asked him to notify the Command. Hikima reportedly said he would consult others and call back, but later calls went unanswered. "If 700 people are coming into Kano, we need to know the details," he said, adding that political groups normally write to the police so security can be arranged. He referred to an incident in Sabon Gari about two weeks ago, when people who said they were in Kano for a political event were arrested and weapons recovered: "we recalled what happened two weeks ago in Sabon Gari."

"There is nothing political about this," the CP said, noting the Command had earlier provided security for TMG and other groups. Hikima alleged about 10 mobile police vehicles were stationed at the privately hired venue and said organisers needed no police permission. According to Monday's newspaper reviews, Amnesty International Nigeria and the ADC condemned the blockade. Legit.ng also reports that Atiku Abubakar demanded the release of five Nigerians reportedly held in Borno State over T-shirts bearing the 'Tinubu must go' slogan; the report does not link this directly to the Kano incident.

Sources: Legit.ng: CP explains · Legit.ng: Police block venue · NaijaNews headlines roundup, 12 Oct 2026