Kano begins political killings probe, pledges witness protection

The Commission of Inquiry, which is looking into allegations of political violence and missing individuals in Kano State, held its inaugural meeting on Monday and pledged to safeguard witness confidentiality in order to prevent attacks.

Justice Zuwaira Yusuf, the chairperson, while speaking during the inaugural sitting at the Kano State High Court, Miller Road, Kano, also warned the media against misrepresentation.

She said the commission was mandated to investigate the rampant cases of missing persons, and causes of political violence, to make recommendations for enduring solutions to the issues and without biases.

Governor Abba Yusuf had set up two commissions of inquiry, to investigate looted government items and the also to investigate missing persons and political violence in Kano.

The two commissions were set up to probe the immediate past-governor of the state and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Umar Ganduje.

Inaugurating the commission on April 4, 2024, Governor Yusuf said, “Political violence is a major setback to democracy worldwide. It leads to loss of lives and property as well as mistrust on the part of the people and those in power.

“The disturbing cases of political killings, especially in 2023, must not be swept under the carpet, this is to ensure we prevent future occurrences.

“The first commission under Justice Zuwaira Yusuf will look into cases of political violence and missing persons from 2015 to 2023.”

The commission had, at the inauguration, invited individuals, groups, civil society organisations, and non-governmental organisations as well as victims and relatives of the victims of political violence, and missing persons to submit memoranda or petitions to the commission.

Justice Yusuf, speaking on Monday, vowed that the information submitted to the commission would be treated with confidentiality.

“Such memorandum/petitions are to be submitted to the registry of the commission, which is situated on this court premises and I assure you that each of your information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

“I assure you that your petitions would be looked into and, where necessary, you would be called upon to give oral evidence.”

Other members of the commission are Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, former police commissioner, Muhammad Wakili (retd), Shu’aibu Sule, Esq, Amina Umar Garba, Esq and nine others.