“Tinubu Must Go” coordinator gives Kano police seven days to explain disruption of gathering

The national coordinator of “Tinubu Must Go” group, Barrister Abba Hikima, has given the Kano State Police Command seven days to explain why the gathering was prevented from taking place at a privately booked venue in Kano on October 11, 2026.

In a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Hikima invoked the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, requesting answers to nine questions concerning the police action, the alleged security threat and the deployment of tear gas against some participants.

The lawyer questioned why the police prevented the gathering despite reportedly acknowledging that it was lawful and did not require police permission.

“What was the actual reason and justification for preventing the TMG gathering from taking place inside the privately booked venue?” Hikima asked.

He also demanded clarification on the nature of the threat the police said they were addressing, the identities of those responsible and the measures taken against them rather than against the intended participants.

“Given the very substantial number of armed police personnel deployed, why was the Command unable or unwilling to secure the venue and allow the lawful gathering to proceed?” he queried.

Hikima further questioned why tear gas was allegedly deployed against some of the participants the police said had mobilised to protect.

The lawyer also sought clarification on whether the decision to stop the gathering originated from the Kano State Police Command or involved instructions from other authorities.

He asked whether the police action was connected to any policy or coordinated effort to frustrate peaceful political activities by individuals or organisations opposed to the Federal Government.

The letter also sought assurances that the command would protect future peaceful TMG meetings rather than prevent their organisers from exercising their constitutional rights.

“We are not seeking permission from the Police to hold subsequent lawful gatherings. We seek a clear answer as to whether the Command is prepared to protect our exercise of those rights and, where threats exist, address the persons making those threats rather than suppress the lawful activities of their intended targets,” he said.

Hikima cited Sections 39, 40, 35 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which respectively guarantee freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, personal liberty, and freedom of movement.

He argued that the incident raised broader questions about whether citizens opposed to the current administration could expect equal protection under the law when exercising their constitutional rights.

The lawyer also drew the command’s attention to Sections 7(4) and 7(5) of the Freedom of Information Act, which address failures to provide requested information and the consequences of wrongful denial of access.

Section 7(4) treats failure to provide information within the prescribed period as a refusal, while Section 7(5) provides for a fine of ₦500,000 upon conviction where wrongful denial of access is established.

Hikima warned that any unlawful refusal to provide the requested information could prompt judicial action and formal petitions to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, your position as Commissioner of Police does not confer immunity from investigation, prosecution or other lawful proceedings in respect of conduct constituting an offence under Nigerian law,” he stated.

He added that the organisers reserved the right to seek declaratory, injunctive and compensatory reliefs over any alleged infringement of their constitutional rights during the October 11 incident.

The lawyer concluded by challenging the police to reconcile their stated intention to protect the participants with the actions that allegedly exposed them to danger.

“If the Police came to protect us, why did their actions ultimately expose us to greater danger?” Hikima asked.

He said the organisers expected the command to respond within seven days of receiving the letter, adding that Nigerians were watching how the matter would be handled.

“Tinubu Must Go” coordinator gives Kano police seven days to explain disruption of gathering