By George Omagbemi
The Kano State Police Command has questioned Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Gwale State Constituency, after a video surfaced showing him displaying what appeared to be a firearm during a political gathering associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Warkal, a known Kwankwasiyya loyalist, was seen in the widely circulated footage among supporters wearing the movement’s colours while holding what appeared to be a pump-action rifle.
The video triggered concern as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly over the presence of firearms at political gatherings.
The Kano State Police Command said it detected the footage during routine cyber patrol and subsequently invited Warkal to its headquarters in Bompai for questioning.
Police spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the weapon was suspected to be a pump-action rifle and that investigation was ongoing.
The Command said that if established, the alleged unlawful display of a firearm could violate the Firearms Act and create fear, intimidation or a threat to public peace. Police Commissioner CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori warned political actors and their supporters against acts of lawlessness, thuggery or the display of weapons capable of threatening public safety.
The police also urged political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and comply with the Electoral Act, Firearms Act and other relevant laws.
However, the circumstances surrounding the weapon have not been fully established. It remains unclear whether the firearm was licensed, who owned it or whether it was functional. There is also no independent confirmation that the weapon was fired, despite claims circulating on social media.
Warkal’s case comes as the NDC and the Kwankwasiyya movement intensify grassroots mobilisation in Kano ahead of the 2027 elections.
The incident has nevertheless raised fresh questions about the conduct of political campaigns and the need to prevent weapons from becoming part of Nigeria’s electoral environment.
For now, the police investigation will determine whether any offence was committed.
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