A coalition of 20 civil society and community-based organizations in Kano State has raised alarm over a recent statement made by Alhaji Usman Alhaji, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), describing it as potentially inciting and dangerous to public peace.
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In a petition addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the coalition accused Alhaji of making “reckless and inflammatory” remarks in a statement issued on May 30, 2025, where he alleged that the Kano State Government misused a $6.6 million foreign loan.
The groups warned that such claims could trigger unrest and undermine peace in the state. They pointed specifically to what they described as factual distortions in Alhaji’s comments on sensitive matters, including the longstanding land dispute in Rimin Zakara involving Bayero University Kano (BUK).
According to the petition, the state government had taken steps to resolve the land conflict peacefully by setting up a neutral committee and compensating those affected by the dispute. The coalition believes Alhaji’s remarks risk reigniting tensions around the issue.
The petitioners also faulted the former SSG’s comments on ongoing legal matters, including the demolition of structures at Filin Idi and the Race Course. They alleged that these statements were aimed at influencing public perception and could erode trust in the judicial process.
They further urged the police to launch a thorough investigation into the matter and to caution political groups like the APC Patriotic Volunteers against making statements or taking actions that could threaten public order.
Among the signatories to the petition are the Kano Legacy Group, Inter-Tribe Community Support Forum, and Women Democracy Monitors. As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official response.
