The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the death of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rano Division following a violent mob attack triggered by the death of a young man, Abdullahi Musa, who died while in police custody.
The tragic sequence of events began on May 25, 2025, when the police arrested Musa, a motorcycle mechanic, after reports from the public alleged that he was riding recklessly under the influence of substances.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, “The Kano State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that occurred on May 25, 2025, at about 08:15pm, in Rano Local Government Area, where based on public outcry and complaints, a motorcycle mechanic, one Abdullahi Musa, suspected to be under the influence of substances, was arrested and detained for reckless and dangerous riding.”
Haruna explained that while in detention, Musa “later showed signs of weakness, prompting his being rushed to the Rano General Hospital, where he unfortunately passed away on May 26, 2025, at about 06:00am, while receiving treatment.”
News of his death sparked outrage among local youths who, according to the police, mobilised and attacked the Rano Police Division. “Following the incident, some miscreants mobilised and attacked the Rano Police Division, looting, setting parts of it and two vehicles ablaze, destroying 10 other vehicles and seriously injured the Divisional Police Officer,” the statement revealed.
The injured DPO was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where he later died while receiving treatment.
SP Haruna further confirmed that “Twenty-seven (27) suspects have been arrested in connection with the incidents. The situation has been brought under control, and normalcy has been restored.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, has since visited the scene and paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Rano, Ambassador Dr. Mohammed Isah Umar. He has also ordered “a comprehensive and transparent investigation to identify the remote and immediate causes of the incidents and bring those responsible for any wrongdoing to justice.”
While expressing condolences to the family of the deceased DPO, the police command appealed for calm.
“The Command, while commiserating with the family of the deceased DPO that paid the supreme price in active service, appeals to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands, allowing the investigation to progress uninterrupted,” Haruna said.
He added, “The Command assures the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and public order in the state and urges everyone to co-operate with the authorities during this investigation.”
