Controversy Deepens as Senator Barau Mounts Intense Pressure on Police Following the Death of an Alleged Notorious Killer
From Kano
20th July, 2026
The death of Nura, popularly known as Ribado, an alleged notorious killer and resident of Dandago in Kano State, has continued to generate controversy, amid allegations that political interests, especially from Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin, are attempting to influence the ongoing police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Ribado, who was widely known in parts of Kano for his alleged involvement in violent criminal activities, reportedly died during a clash between rival groups. Since the incident, attention has shifted to claims that some influential political figures, especially Senator Barau I Jibril through his Aid Hon. Kawu Idris Hausawa are seeking to influence the direction of the investigation.
Sources familiar with the matter alleged that pressure has been mounted on the Kano State Commissioner of Police to arrest and prosecute some young men believed to be supporters of the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, over Ribado’s death, despite what the sources described as the absence of credible evidence linking them to the incident.
According to the sources, the police invited several of the individuals for questioning, and they voluntarily honoured the invitations. However, after conducting investigations, the police reportedly released them after failing to establish sufficient evidence to support criminal charges.
A source, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, claimed that Senator Barau are now making efforts to have the case transferred from the Kano State Police Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
“Hon. Kawu Idris Hausawa travelled to Abuja and met with the Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM over the matter. He later told some of his associates that the Inspector General assured him that the case would be transferred from Kano to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. If that eventually happens, there are fears that innocent people who had no involvement in the incident could be arrested because of political interests,” the source alleged.
Meanwhile, a supporter of the Kano State Deputy Governor, identified as Musa Baba, called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the investigation remains impartial and free from political influence.
“Everyone in Kano knows there is political rivalry between the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin. We appeal to the Inspector General of Police not to allow the Nigeria Police Force to be dragged into what is clearly a political matter,” Musa Baba said.
He further alleged that the ongoing developments were part of a broader political agenda targeted at supporters of the Deputy Governor.
“This is nothing but political persecution aimed at intimidating and weakening supporters of the Deputy Governor. Such an agenda will not succeed,” he added.
Musa Baba also made claims regarding Ribado’s background and reputation within parts of Kano.
“During the inauguration ceremony of the Deputy Governor, many people saw Nura Ribado leading thugs while carrying dangerous weapons. Residents of Mandawari, Dandago, Sabon Titi and other communities within Gwale Local Government Area know who he was. A thorough investigation into his activities would reveal the number of people he killed and those he injured before he himself died in a gang-related clash,” he alleged.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued any official statement confirming that the case has been transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Similarly, Senator Barau Jibrin, Hon. Kawu Idris Hausawa, and the Kano State Police Command have not publicly responded to the allegations contained in this report.