The Kano State Police Command has invited Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, a candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), for questioning over an alleged display of a firearm at a political gathering in the state.
Warkal, who is contesting for the Gwale Constituency seat in the Kano State House of Assembly, was invited after a video circulating on social media allegedly showed him holding what appeared to be a pump-action rifle during a political event.
The development was disclosed by the Kano State Police spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, in a statement issued on Monday.
According to Kiyawa, police operatives encountered the video during routine cyber patrol and intelligence-led surveillance of political activities in the state.
The command said the alleged display of a firearm, if established, could constitute a violation of the Firearms Act and potentially threaten public peace and security.
“On the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, the said Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Warkal was invited to the Command Headquarters, Bompai, Kano,” Kiyawa said.
“He is currently at the Command’s State Intelligence Department (SID) and investigation is in progress.”
The alleged incident reportedly occurred during a political gathering in the Janbulo area of Gwale Local Government Area.
A video of the event has since circulated online, with reports alleging that Warkal was seen holding what appeared to be a pump-action rifle while surrounded by supporters.
However, the police have not publicly established whether the object was a functional firearm or whether it was legally licensed.
The command also did not state that the weapon was discharged or announce any criminal charge against Warkal, stressing that the investigation is ongoing.
The Kano Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, warned politicians and their supporters against carrying or displaying weapons during political activities.
Kiyawa quoted the commissioner as saying the command would not tolerate “any act of lawlessness, thuggery, or display of weapons capable of threatening public peace, irrespective of the status of the person involved.”
The police urged political candidates, their supporters and other stakeholders to conduct their activities peacefully and comply with the Electoral Act, Firearms Act and other relevant laws.
The command said it would continue to monitor political activities across Kano State and take measures against conduct capable of triggering violence or disrupting public order ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The latest invitation is not the first time Warkal has come under scrutiny from security agencies over his political activities.
In February 2026, Amnesty International Nigeria alleged that Warkal, whom it described as a social media influencer and critic of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, was detained for several hours over allegations of cyberbullying the governor.
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) had also previously expressed concern over the alleged arrest and invitation of critics and social media commentators in Kano, listing Warkal among those reportedly affected.
The rights groups had raised concerns about the implications of such actions for freedom of expression.
Warkal is now being questioned over a separate allegation involving the purported display of a firearm at a political gathering.
The Kano State Police Command said its investigation into the latest incident is ongoing.
