Police defend blockade of Tinubu Must Go meeting venue in Kano

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, defended the police's decision to block a venue booked for a meeting of the Tinubu Must Go (TMG) movement. The police action aimed to protect the organisers and residents of Kano. Members of the movement protested the police's actions on October 11, 2026. One of the movement's conveners, Abba Hikima, claimed that over 10 vehicles of mobile police were present.

Hikima accused the police of violating their civic rights and argued that they did not need to obtain permission to hold the meeting. The Court of Appeal's decision supporting their right to hold rallies without notifying security agencies stood, according to Hikima. However, Bakori stated that notifying the police would have helped the command provide adequate security and prevent potential tension.

Bakori learned about the planned meeting through social media and contacted Hikima. The commissioner asked the movement to postpone the meeting and meet to discuss arrangements, but Hikima said he would consult other members before responding. Bakori also cited an incident in Sabon Gari two weeks earlier, where the police seized weapons and arrested people claiming to be attending the meeting for political activities.

The police were concerned about another gathering expected to attract about 700 people without knowing who they were or where they would stay. Bakori emphasized that the police's priority was maintaining peace and security, and they had provided security for the movement's previous activities.