Victims of the Kano demolitions, under the aegis of Mallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association, have appealed to the state Commissioner of Police, CP, Muhammad Gumel, to urgently investigate the alleged death of over 30 persons in the course of the demolition.
The victims asked the CP to investigate Governor Abba Yusuf, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi.
Speaking through their lawyer, Barrister Maaruf Yakasai on Thursday at the NUJ Press Center, Kano, the victims claimed that, “so far, we have over 30 people who have died either from shock or beating, while so many others are today paralyzed, with some with serious injuries”.
Maaruf noted that, after the agreement to settle the matter out of court, the state government only paid N1 billion out of the N3 billion it promised to pay.
He added, “However, that not withstanding, what we are talking about is the fact that after the civil case aspect of the demolition we still have a criminal aspect which we are asking the Police Commissioner Muhammad Usaini Gumel to initiate investigation into the matter.
“We wants the Governor, his SSG and Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso be investigated over criminal charges on the demolition, because right now some people have suffered serious humiliation, while otters have lost their lives.
“There should serious investigation into the matter”.
“It is against this background we are appealing to the Police Commissioner to cause a criminal investigation to be conducted in the case with a view to ensuring justice is done to us.
“We are asking you the Police Commissioner to conduct a thorough criminal investigation into the matter, especially with respect to the offences against the property owners and humanity as some have passed away, some a sick while many are poor because of the torture.”
