Shop owners and traders association in Kano petition police against Gov Yusuf, others

The Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association has petitioned Kano Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, seeking to probe the illegal demolition of their shops by the Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf-led government.

Recall that shops and other structures deemed illegally built by the Kano state government were destroyed shortly after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was sworn-in. The move generated political tensions in the northern Nigerian state.

Counsel for the association, Maaruf Muhammad Yakasai, said the formal complaint is based on “criminal conspiracy, theft, criminal misappropriation and mischief contrary to sections 97, 286, 308 and 326 of the penal code laws of Kano State respectively” against Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Dr Abudullahi Baffa Bichi, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Muhammad Diggol and others.

Speaking with journalists in Kano, Maaruf Muhammad Yakasai said, “We the members of the association have suffered from psychological trauma as a result of the unlawful acts of the suspects either directly or indirectly, destruction and loss of their properties worth billions of Naira which were stolen in addition to loss of business and means of livelihoods.

“It is against the above background that we are appealing to your good offices to cause a criminal investigation to be conducted in this case with a view to ensuring that justice is done. We are asking your good offices to conduct a thorough criminal investigation into the matter, especially with respect to the offences against property and humanity, as some have passed on, some are sick as a result of the torture, the rich are now poor.

“We need the criminal aspect to be investigated and the guilty to face the full wrath of the law. We also urge your good self to consider and build on the judgment of the Federal High Court, Kano Division that described the action of the suspects as illegal, unconstitutional and barbaric.

“We are ready at the appropriate stage of the investigation to provide all the available evidence and records in our possession to support the allegations against the suspects. Please note further that the suspects have never denied the demolition.”