Police Hunt for Kano Governor’s Spokesman

Forty special detectives under the directive of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbedokun have launched a search for Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, spokesperson for Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, according to sources.

The operation stems from a petition filed by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ganduje accused Dawakin-Tofa, a member of his constituency, of orchestrating his recent suspension from his ward in Dawakin-Tofa Local Government Area.

Family sources revealed that plain-clothed officers have been actively surveilling Dawakin-Tofa’s residence. Detectives reportedly searched the property multiple times, alarming the spokesman’s wife, children, and neighbors. An anonymous family member expressed frustration over the repeated searches, stating the actions have created fear in the household.

Despite the ongoing manhunt, a court order has temporarily barred the IGP, the Department of State Services (DSS), Kano State Commissioner of Police, and other security agencies from arresting Dawakin-Tofa. Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of Kano State High Court granted the order pending a hearing on the case scheduled for January 22, 2025.

The rift between Dawakin-Tofa and Ganduje dates back to 2015, when Ganduje, then governor-elect, reportedly had Dawakin-Tofa arrested for opposing him during the gubernatorial election.