Kano politician handcuffed, flogged publicly after criticising Gov Uba Sani

Dan Bilki Commander, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain based in Kano, has been  brutalised.

In a viral video, the politician who was handcuffed was caned by some unidentified persons.

They had asked their victim to identify himself, which he did, before they asked follow up questions on why he criticised Governor Uba Sani, even though he is not an indigene of Kaduna State.

Known for being very vocal, Commander usually tackles politicians during programmes on radio stations in Kano.

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Amid intermittent lashing, Commander could be heard saying, “I have a heart problem.”

However, in another view showing Commander narrating his ordeal, he accused the governor of sending the people to beat him up.

“They were sent by Governor Uba Sani to beat. I can recognize some of them and the place where they got the handcuffs from. Look at the bumps and scalds on my hands and back. Some police officers did it. Uba Sani directed them to do it. They said they would kill me and throw me into the water. They videoed me while beating and abusing him. I was humiliated to the core,” he said.

In a statement following the development, the Kaduna State Government said that it has ordered for investigation into the video.

The statement was signed by Muhammad Lawal Shehu, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Kaduna State Government has been drawn to a video that has gone viral showing one Dan Balki Commander being whipped by unidentified persons.

“In the video, accusing fingers were pointed at the Kaduna State Government. The Kaduna State Government wishes to strongly disassociate itself from the heinous act. It is not in our character. Such barbaric acts have no place in a decent society.

“We stand for the rule of law and due process. Our administration is anchored on justice, equity, fairness, inclusivity and respect for the dignity of the human person. Since assuming office in May 2023, Kaduna State Government under the able leadership of Senator Uba Sani has been working assiduously to rebuild trust and give all citizens of the State a sense of belonging.

We accommodate all shades of opinion and have created a conducive atmosphere for all political views to thrive. The Governor of Kaduna State is a long standing fighter for fundamental rights and freedoms. He has never wavered in his commitment to the promotion and protection of civil rights, rule of law and due process. He will not, under any circumstances, detail anyone to brutalize a person for holding a contrary opinion.

“His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani has therefore ordered a full investigation into the alleged incident. He is determined to get to the root of the incident and will ensure that the full wrath of the law is brought to bear on anyone found culpable.”

The video has generated outrage.