Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has called for the immediate removal of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, accusing him of unprofessional conduct and partisanship that he says threaten the peace of the state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday, the governor expressed anger over what he described as the sudden withdrawal of police participation from the Independence Day celebrations at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata. He alleged that CP Bakori ordered the pullout just hours before the event, calling it sabotage and a breach of the police’s constitutional duty.
“The police must never be seen as tools of politicians. They are expected to protect all Nigerians, regardless of political leanings. Unfortunately, CP Bakori has turned himself into a willing instrument of division and insecurity in Kano State,” Yusuf said.
He accused the commissioner of aligning with political interests opposed to the will of Kano residents, describing him as a “political police officer” undermining democracy. According to the governor, Bakori’s continued stay in the state poses a serious security risk.
The governor urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police to replace Bakori with a competent, neutral officer who would restore confidence and fairness in policing the state. He added that his call echoed the concerns of Kano stakeholders and residents who witnessed the disruption during the October 1 celebrations.
Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while commending other security agencies for their cooperation.
The development comes just two days after CP Bakori announced the arrest of 105 suspects linked to 30 major crimes in September, with significant recoveries of weapons and stolen property.
When contacted, Kano Police spokesman SP Abdullahi Kiyawa said he would respond to the governor’s allegations in due course.
