Why ADC supporters were dispersed in Kaduna — Police

The Kaduna State Police Command has clarified its recent role in dispersing African Democratic Congress ( ADC) supporters who came out on the streets blocking motorists insisting they teargased the members to avert breaking down of law and order as well as to allow motorists have a free movement 

The police who were reacting to the statement credited to the ADC Candidate Isah Muhammad Ashiru that is currently circulating on social media that “Tear gas does not cancel the Constitution! Thugs do not repeal Section 39 and Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantee every citizen the right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly and association.

The statement also recall that,” a High Court in this same Kaduna has already declared attempts by the police to suspend political gatherings unconstitutional and an abuse of power. That judgment stands; Our rights stand.”

In a swift reaction, In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer,DSP Mansir Hassan on Thursday noted that,”While the Kaduna State Police Command acknowledges and respects the constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, it is pertinent to set the record straight on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Command has never attempted to stop any lawful political gathering or peaceful assembly. The incident in question arose from a security situation at Murtala Square and not from any attempt by the Police to prevent political expression or association.

‘On 9th September, 2026, the Police received a distress call from security personnel attached to Murtala Square that a group of unknown persons was attempting to forcefully gain entry into the premises. Upon receipt of the report, Police personnel were immediately deployed to the location to prevent any breach of security and to maintain public order.

“On arrival, a large number of persons were observed carrying banners bearing the acronym, ADC. The Police advised them that anyone intending to hold an event or gain access to Murtala Square was required to follow due process and obtain the necessary authorization through the Management. 

“Following the intervention, the Police personnel withdrew from the area after the situation appeared to have been brought under control.

However, the group subsequently proceeded along WAFF Road towards the NEPA Roundabout by Ahmadu Bello way, one of the major and busiest commercial routes in the Kaduna metropolis. The protesters blocked the roadway, resulting in severe traffic congestion and bringing vehicular movement to a standstill.

“The obstruction caused frustration between the Group, cyclists and motorists, leading to agitation, confrontation, and a breakdown of public order.

 In order to restore normalcy and prevent the situation from escalating further, Police personnel intervened and used minimal and proportionate force, including the deployment of tear gas, to disperse the crowd.

To this end, the Kaduna State Police Command wishes to reiterate that it respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression. However, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the ambit of the law, without obstructing major public roads, threatening public safety, or infringing on the rights of other citizens.

The Command therefore urges members of the public to disregard misleading narratives surrounding the incident and to rely on verified information from the Police Command.