The Jigawa State Police Command has issued a comprehensive clarification regarding the arrest of Abubakar Gossima, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), refuting allegations that the apprehension was politically motivated. Gossima’s arrest, which took place on a Thursday along the Kafin Hausa/Bulangu highway, was executed by a team from the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) based in Abuja, not by the Jigawa State Police Command. The SIU, a specialized unit with national jurisdiction, is tasked with investigating complex and high-profile crimes. The arrest stemmed from a complaint lodged by Aliyu Suleiman, also an APC member, accusing Gossima of using social media to oppose his aspirations for a seat in the House of Representatives. The police emphasized that established legal procedures were followed during Gossima’s arrest.
The initial narrative surrounding Gossima’s arrest fueled speculation and accusations of political maneuvering within the APC. The Jigawa State Police Command’s statement unequivocally denies these claims, asserting that the arrest was solely based on the SIU’s investigation into the complaint filed by Suleiman. The distinction between the SIU, a national body, and the Jigawa State Command is crucial in understanding the context of the arrest. The state command has underscored its commitment to transparency and collaboration with all units of the Nigeria Police Force, including the SIU, to ensure the security and safety of Jigawa State.
The police statement highlights the SIU’s role as a specialized unit responsible for investigating intricate and sensitive cases across the country. This clarifies that the SIU operates independently of local police commands and possesses the authority to make arrests anywhere in Nigeria. The complaint against Gossima, relating to potential violations of communication laws through a social media post, falls within the purview of the SIU’s mandate to address complex offenses. This context emphasizes that the arrest wasn’t initiated by local political rivals leveraging the state police command, but rather by a distinct national investigative body.
The Jigawa State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Dahiru Muhammad, has reiterated its dedication to upholding professionalism and impartiality in all its operations. The command emphasized that its actions are guided by the rule of law and respect for the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations. The statement serves as a reassurance to the public that the police remain committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents of Jigawa State. This commitment extends to cooperating with other security agencies to maintain peace and order, emphasizing the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts.
Furthermore, the police urged the public, especially media outlets, to exercise responsibility and verify information with the appropriate authorities before disseminating it. This call for responsible reporting aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain public trust in the integrity of police operations. Accurate and verified information is crucial to ensuring a fair and transparent public discourse, particularly concerning sensitive matters such as arrests and legal proceedings. The police have encouraged all stakeholders to rely on official channels for updates and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could exacerbate tensions or misrepresent the facts.
The Jigawa State Police Command concluded its statement with a strong emphasis on the importance of maintaining law and order within the state. They urged continued public cooperation in their efforts to create a safe and secure environment for all residents. The command emphasized its zero-tolerance stance towards lawlessness and reiterated its dedication to upholding the rule of law, regardless of political considerations. This reaffirmation underscores the police’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the public while remaining impartial and unbiased in their duties.
