Mob Violence Claims Life of Senior Police Officer in Kano

Kano, Nigeria – A Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State, CSP Baba Ali Mohammed, has tragically died from injuries sustained when an irate mob attacked his office on Sunday, May 25, 2025. The mob, protesting the death of a man in police custody, also vandalized and set ablaze parts of the Rano Police Division, including several vehicles.

The unrest erupted following the death of Abdullahi Musa, a motorcycle mechanic, who had been arrested on Sunday, May 25, at approximately 8:15 PM, on suspicion of reckless and dangerous riding while under the influence of substances. According to a statement released by the Kano State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Musa “showed signs of weakness” while in custody and was rushed to Rano General Hospital, where he unfortunately passed away around 6:00 AM on Monday, May 26, 2025.

News of Musa’s death swiftly ignited public outrage, leading to the mobilization of a mob that descended upon the Rano Police Division. The protestors accused the DPO, CSP Baba Ali Mohammed (initially identified by some reports as M.A. Baba), of being responsible for the arrest and alleged brutality leading to Musa’s death. During the ensuing chaos, the mob looted parts of the station, set two vehicles ablaze, and destroyed ten other vehicles. CSP Baba Ali Mohammed sustained severe injuries in the attack and was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, on Monday, visited the scene of the incident and paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Rano, His Highness, Ambassador Dr. Mohammed Isah Umar (Autan Bawo 19). The Commissioner has since ordered a “comprehensive and transparent investigation” to determine the remote and immediate causes of the incidents and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.

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Twenty-seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the mob action. The police command has assured the public that the situation has been brought under control and normalcy restored to the area. They have also appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands, and cooperate with authorities as the investigation progresses.

The Command, while commiserating with the family of the deceased DPO, reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and public order in the state. The tragic events underscore growing concerns over deaths in police custody and the volatile nature of public reactions in such circumstances.