The Kano State Police Command has stated that no deaths occurred during the #EndBadGovernance protests in the state.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano, Salman-Dogo Garba, declared this during a press conference held on Monday where suspects arrested during the protests were paraded.
“Going by the records, so far, we are not aware of any casualties recorded,” Garba stated despite reports of violence during the demonstrations.
The protests, which started peacefully, were reportedly hijacked by hoodlums, with claims that at least five people had been killed.
According to reports, the victims were struck by bullets during chaotic moments of the protests.
Garba, while providing further details in the aftermath of the protests, said a total of 873 suspects were arrested, with 600 of them prosecuted for offences ranging from criminal conspiracy to theft, arson, and inciting disturbances.
Garba said, “Aftermath of these events resulted in the arrest of 873 suspects and recovery of a large quantity of exhibits. The command arrested and prosecuted 600 suspects for various offences, including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson.”
He said the command’s activities included, “Arrest and prosecution of 150 suspects for violating the curfew enforced by the Kano State Government. Arrests of an additional six suspects linked with masterminding the destruction, setting ablaze and looting of the Kano Printing Press (KPP) are undergoing investigation. Arrest and transfer of 76 suspects flying Russian flags, including a foreigner to Force Headquarters, Abuja for discreet investigation on charges of sedition.
“Arrest of 41 suspects for other major crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, car theft and recovery of two AK-47 Exhibit Rifles and other substantial properties looted by the hoodlums at Audu Baku Secretariat NCC Office, High Court Complexes, Kano Printing Press (KPP), Super Markets.”
Garba also noted that the list of recovered items include two Bajaj Boxer motorcycles, 22 cows, 15 sheep, and four donkeys, adding that the police successfully rescued 13 victims of human trafficking.
The police commissioner said the command remains committed to maintaining law and order.