Tragedy in Kano: Man Dies in Custody, Police Station Set Ablaze in Violent Protest

A tragic incident in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State on Sunday, May 25, 2025, escalated into violent protests today, Monday, May 26, after a young man, Abdullahi Musa, allegedly died in police custody. 

The unrest led to the burning down of the Rano Divisional Police Headquarters and resulted in further fatalities, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rano.

Residents claim that Abdullahi Musa, a motorcycle mechanic, was arrested for a traffic-related offense on Sunday evening. Eyewitnesses alleged that the DPO, identified as M.A. Baba (also referred to as Baba Ali in some reports), subjected Musa to brutal physical assault, leading to his death during interrogation. 

Police, however, stated that Musa showed signs of weakness while in custody and was rushed to Rano General Hospital, where he unfortunately passed away around 6:00 AM today, May 26, while receiving treatment.

News of Musa's death ignited widespread anger among local youths, who stormed the police station to demand justice. The protest turned violent when police allegedly opened fire to disperse the crowd, injuring at least two demonstrators identified as Hassan Salisu Hassan and Muhammad Ibrahim. Both victims are currently receiving treatment at Rano General Hospital.

In retaliation, the enraged youths reportedly began hurling stones at police officers and eventually set parts of the station ablaze, looting it and destroying several vehicles. 

During the confrontation, DPO M.A. Baba sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where he tragically died while receiving treatment.

The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the incident. The spokesperson for the Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, in a statement released today, stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has visited the scene and ordered a "comprehensive and transparent investigation" into the remote and immediate causes of the incidents. 

Kiyawa assured the public that justice would be served and appealed for calm, urging residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands.

 He also confirmed the arrest of 27 suspects in connection with the mob action, stating that the situation has been brought under control and normalcy restored. The Command extended its condolences to the family of the deceased DPO, acknowledging his "supreme price in active service."