Mob Kills Kano DPO, Burns Station After Suspect Dies in Police Custody

A violent mob attack in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State has resulted in the death of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Rano Division, M.A. Baba. The unrest erupted following the death of a detained suspect, Abdullahi Musa, in police custody. Residents accused the police of torturing the suspect, a local motorcycle mechanic reportedly under the influence of substances, after his arrest for reckless riding.

Tensions escalated on the evening of May 25 when angry youths stormed the police station in protest. The station was set ablaze, multiple vehicles were torched or vandalised, and the DPO was severely beaten by the mob. He was later rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Kano State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the incident and reported that 27 individuals had been arrested in connection with the attack. He noted that the suspect had shown signs of weakness while in custody and died the following morning at Rano General Hospital during treatment.

In response, Commissioner of Police CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori visited the scene to assess the damage, accompanied by the Rano LGA Chairman, Hon. Mallam Mohammed Naziru Ya’u. The Commissioner also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Rano, His Highness Ambassador Dr. Mohammed Isah Umar.

Police authorities have launched a full investigation into the events, vowing to uncover both the immediate and underlying causes of the incident. The command has urged residents to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed without interference, assuring the public of its dedication to restoring and maintaining peace and order in the state.