The Kano State Government has called for the immediate investigation and arrest of the former governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, over what it described as an attempt to establish an illegal militia group in the state.
This followed Ganduje’s recent announcement of plans to create a Hisbah-like volunteer outfit under the Ganduje Foundation, reportedly in response to the disengagement of 12,000 personnel by the Kano State Hisbah Board.
The call for his arrest was made during the 34th State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held at the Government House, Kano.
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Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said the council reviewed comments credited to Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, in which they claimed Kano was at high risk of banditry and proposed the recruitment of 12,000 youths into a new religious police outfit to be called ‘Khairul Nas’.
Waiya described the remarks as “inciting, reckless, and capable of undermining ongoing security efforts” by both the state government and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the government’s concerns deepened after suspected bandits infiltrated border communities less than 48 hours after the controversial comments were made — an incident the council said raised suspicion that the remarks may have been premeditated.
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“Council reaffirmed its appreciation to the Federal Government and security agencies for their sustained support in securing the state and therefore called for the immediate investigation and arrest of the former Governor for attempting to create an illegal militia group.” Waiya said
Waiya urged political leaders to avoid statements that could incite fear or destabilize the state, assuring residents that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property.