Kano court threatens contempt action against senior police officer

The Kano State High Court has warned Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Babagana Bukar of Zone 1 Police Headquarters, BUK Road, Kano, that he could face contempt proceedings if he continues to disobey a court order in a property dispute.

Justice Aisha Mahmoud gave the warning during proceedings in a case involving House No. QA-270 at Panisau in Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State.

The suit was filed by Abba Shittu Sharubutu against Isiyaku Auwalu, popularly known as Dan Kwangila, the Nigeria Police Force, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 1 Kano, ACP Babagana Bukar and Inspector Dauda Usman, the Investigating Police Officer.

Court records showed that on April 14, 2026, Justice Yusuf Ubale granted an interim injunction after hearing the applicant’s lawyer, Barrister Muhammad Kelechi Nwabueze. The order directed all parties to maintain the status quo on the property until the court determines the motion on notice.

The court also ordered that all court processes be served through the appropriate police authority before the next hearing.

During the latest proceedings, Justice Mahmoud expressed concern that ACP Bukar had allegedly failed to comply with the subsisting court order.

According to the court, despite the directive to maintain the status quo, the senior police officer allegedly forced the occupants of the property to vacate.

The judge stressed that disobeying a valid court order undermines the authority of the judiciary and warned that continued disregard of the directive could lead to serious consequences.

“Disobedience of this court’s order will not be tolerated. ACP Babagana Bukar risks being committed to prison for contempt if he continues to disregard the directive,”Justice Mahmoud said.

The case was adjourned to July 13, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.

The court also made it clear that any further failure to obey its orders could result in contempt proceedings, which may attract imprisonment if established by the court.