Kano State Police Command has arrested a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aminu Warkal, over an alleged display of a firearm during a political rally in the state.
Warkal was invited for questioning after a viral video surfaced showing him allegedly holding what appeared to be a pump-action rifle and firing shots into the air during a gathering in the Janbulo area of Gwale Local Government Area.
The police said the arrest followed a routine cyber patrol by officers who detected the video circulating online and began an investigation into the incident.
According to the Kano Police spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, the alleged action raised security concerns because it could create fear and threaten public peace during a political activity.
Kiyawa said the display of firearms at public gatherings violates existing laws and could intimidate citizens if proven to be unlawful.
“The alleged unlawful display of a firearm, if established, constitutes a clear violation of the provisions of the Firearms Act and is capable of inciting fear, intimidating members of the public, and breaching public peace and security,” the statement read.
The police spokesperson said the arrest followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Bakori, who ordered that Warkal should appear before investigators at the Command Headquarters in Bompai, Kano.
“Following a directive from the Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Bakori, Mr Warkal was summoned to the Command Headquarters in Bompai, Kano,” Kiyawa stated.
“He is currently being interrogated by detectives at the State Intelligence Department (SID),” he added.
The development comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to increase across the country, with security agencies warning politicians and supporters against actions capable of threatening peace.
Security authorities have repeatedly urged political actors to conduct campaigns and rallies within the limits of the law, stressing that public safety must remain a priority during political engagements.
The police said further findings from the ongoing investigation would determine the next steps in the matter.
