The Kano State Police Command has summoned Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, a chieftain and National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, for questioning over an alleged display of a firearm at a political gathering in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State. The invitation followed the circulation of a video showing a man identified as Warkal holding what police described as a suspected pump-action rifle.
Key Highlights
- Kano police summon NDC candidate Aminu Abdullahi Warkal over an alleged firearm display.
- Police said the video was detected during a routine cyber patrol.
- The firearm was described as a suspected pump-action rifle.
- Warkal was invited to the Kano State Police Command headquarters in Bompai.
- Police said the alleged display could breach the Firearms Act and public-order laws.
- Reports linked the gathering to the NDC’s political activities involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
- Police have not confirmed that the firearm was discharged or that shots were fired.
- Authorities have also not publicly established whether the weapon was licensed or recovered.
- The investigation remains ongoing, with no charges announced as of the latest police statement.
Kano Police Summon NDC Candidate Over Gun Display
The Kano State Police Command said it invited Warkal for questioning after officers encountered a video during routine cyber patrol showing him allegedly displaying a firearm at a political gathering.
Police spokesman CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa said the invitation was issued on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
Warkal was directed to report to the command headquarters in Bompai, where he was subsequently reported to be at the State Intelligence Department as investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the alleged firearm display.
Police Investigate Alleged Pump-Action Rifle Display
According to the police, the weapon seen in the circulating footage appeared to be a suspected pump-action rifle.
The command said that if the alleged firearm display is established, it could constitute a violation of relevant firearms laws and potentially create fear, intimidation and a threat to public peace.
The police have not, however, publicly confirmed that the weapon was fired.
They have also not disclosed whether the firearm was licensed, who owned it or whether it was recovered from Warkal.
Video Shows Man Identified as Warkal Holding Gun
Footage circulating online shows a man identified as Warkal standing on the running board of an SUV while holding a long firearm as supporters gathered around the vehicle.
Warkal was reportedly wearing the red cap associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement.
The video has been linked to a political gathering associated with the NDC’s presidential ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Warkal is identified as the party’s candidate for the Gwale constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly.
Claims accompanying the video have alleged that shots were fired into the air. However, the Kano police have not publicly confirmed that the weapon was discharged.
Police Warn Politicians Against Displaying Weapons
Commissioner Bakori warned that the Kano State Police Command would not tolerate lawlessness, thuggery or the display of weapons capable of threatening public safety.
The commissioner said political status would not exempt anyone from investigation or enforcement of the law.
The command urged politicians, candidates and their supporters to conduct political activities in accordance with the Electoral Act, Firearms Act and other applicable laws.
The police said the measures were necessary to protect public order as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NDC Candidate’s Case Raises 2027 Election Security Concerns
The incident has attracted attention because it comes during the early build-up to the 2027 general elections, with political activities already intensifying in Kano.
The alleged display of a firearm at a political gathering has also renewed concerns about the presence of weapons at political events and the potential for intimidation or violence.
Nigerian laws regulate civilian possession and use of firearms, while electoral regulations prohibit the possession or display of offensive weapons at political rallies and processions.
However, it has not been independently established whether Warkal possessed a valid firearms licence.
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Police Yet to Announce Charges
The police investigation was still ongoing at the State Intelligence Department as of the latest statement.
Authorities had not announced formal charges against Warkal, and the command has not publicly concluded that the firearm displayed in the video belonged to him or that it was discharged.
The investigation is expected to determine the nature of the weapon, whether it was legally possessed and whether any offence was committed.
Political Reactions to Kano Gun Display
The video has generated debate on social media, with reactions divided along political lines.
Some commentators have called for equal enforcement of the law against politicians and supporters across all political parties, while others have sought to contextualise the alleged display within the wider political environment.
The police have not endorsed either position and have maintained that their focus is on investigating the alleged firearm display and determining whether any law was breached.
As the investigation continues, the case is likely to remain part of the wider debate over political violence, campaign security and the enforcement of electoral laws ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
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