Police allay fears over possible riot in Kano on Friday, arrest ‘fake alarmist’
The police in Kano state on Thursday allayed fears of a possible riot in the state on Friday. The police were responding to viral video and audio clips that Muslims
The police in Kano state on Thursday allayed fears of a possible riot in the state on Friday.
The police were responding to viral video and audio clips that Muslims in the state were planning to take revenge over the killing of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The State Police Command on Thursday said it arrested the suspect who allegedly circulated audio and video clips containing statements capable of inciting public disorder and creating fear among residents on Friday.
In the Command’s public alert issued on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori said, “The suspect was apprehended during a sting operation and is currently undergoing interrogation.”
Police authorities noted that the inflammatory content had been circulating on social media and was considered capable of disturbing the peace in the state.
“The command views the inflammatory statement seriously, and the suspect will face the full weight of the law after investigations are concluded.
“The police strongly condemned the creation and dissemination of such materials and warned individuals involved in spreading false or inciting information to desist immediately or face arrest and prosecution,” Bakori said.
According to the command, it will not tolerate any form of hate speech, incitement, or actions capable of triggering violence in the state.
The police urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
The Kano State Government, on its part, on Thursday assured residents that the situation remains under control and that adequate security measures were in place to prevent any breach of peace.
Speaking during a joint press briefing at the police command headquarters, the Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, said the government was working closely with security agencies to counter misinformation and maintain public order.
He expressed concern over the growing misuse of social media platforms to spread fake news and damaging content, stressing that such acts could threaten the reputation of individuals and the peace of the state.
Waiya described Kano as a cosmopolitan city and a leading commercial hub in northern Nigeria, noting that the government would not tolerate attempts to destabilise the state through misinformation or divisive narratives.
He assured residents that their lives and property remain safe, adding that the state government is committed to sustaining peace and strengthening collaboration with security agencies.
