Abuja, Nigeria – June 15, 2025 — The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has again summoned Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to appear before the Force Headquarters over allegations of criminal defamation, impersonation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
According to a police summons dated May 23, 2025, with file number CR/3000/IGP-SEC/MU/ADM/14/ABJ/VOL 118/57, Dawakin-Tofa is expected to report to SP Mojirode B. Obisiji of the IGP Monitoring Unit at Louis Edet House, Abuja, by 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
The letter, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, stated that the police are investigating a case in which Dawakin-Tofa “featured prominently.”
Allegations Linked to Ganduje Suspension
The allegations are believed to be connected to the 2024 suspension of APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, by executives of his Ganduje Ward over alleged anti-party activities and non-payment of dues. Dawakin-Tofa, who hails from the same area as Ganduje, was accused of orchestrating the move—a claim he has repeatedly denied.
This marks the second time in less than a year that Dawakin-Tofa has been summoned by the police. In December 2024, officers from the IGP Monitoring Unit attempted to arrest him, prompting him to secure an interim court order barring security agencies from arresting or harassing him.
Legal Proceedings and Appeal
On December 12, 2024, a Kano High Court issued a restraining order under suit number K/M2500/2024, protecting Dawakin-Tofa from arrest by the IGP, DSS, NSCDC, and several top police officials. The order cited concerns over violations of his constitutional rights to liberty and freedom of movement.
However, the court later dismissed his suit against the APC’s Acting National Chairman and the IGP. His lawyer, Barrister H.M. Muhammad, has since filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Kano Division.
Political History
Tensions between Dawakin-Tofa and Ganduje trace back to 2015, when the latter, as governor-elect, allegedly ordered Dawakin-Tofa’s arrest over political opposition during the election period. Dawakin-Tofa has since become a prominent critic of Ganduje and a key opposition voice in his hometown.
