The Kano State Police Command has charged 333 suspected thugs to court for disrupting the electoral process during Saturday’s rerun and by-election in Ghari, Bagwai, and Shanono local government areas.

 

Police Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, while briefing journalists on Monday, said the arrests followed clearance operations aimed at curbing electoral violence.

 

Recovered exhibits included two ballot boxes, 163 thumb-printed ballot papers, 14 vehicles, and over ₦4 million cash. Dangerous weapons such as a pump action rifle, five locally made guns, 16 swords, 18 cutlasses, a bow with 223 arrows, seven catapults, 45 stones, 18 knives, and 94 long clubs were also seized.

 

Bakori disclosed that the suspects were arraigned in Magistrate Courts 20, 27, and 44 at Nomansland, as well as Courts 8 and 53 in Gyadi-Gyadi, for prosecution under various electoral offences.

 

The charges include criminal conspiracy, disorderly conduct, possession of offensive weapons, intimidation, loitering without lawful excuse after voting, destruction or snatching of election materials, improper use of vehicles, and solicitation of votes on election day.

 

He noted that the polls were conducted under “challenging circumstances” due to the massive importation of thugs from within and outside the state.

 

“I commend the combined security agencies for their dedication, commitment, and selfless service during this challenging electoral period. Their professionalism and coordinated efforts were instrumental in containing the violence from spreading further and helped to safeguard the voters, election officials, and the general public,” Bakori said.

 

The commissioner assured that the Police Command will ensure justice is served, stressing that those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s democracy will be prosecuted.