Arewa Consultative Forum and Police Clash Over Kaduna Headquarters Lockdown
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Nigeria Police Force have engaged in a public dispute regarding the alleged lockdown of ACF’s headquarters in Kaduna, just ahead of a scheduled National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on May 6, 2026. Accusations of illegality have flown from ACF representatives, who assert that the police operation was unwarranted.
Police Deny Allegations of Unlawful Action
In response to the ACF’s claims, the Kaduna State Police Command has firmly denied any wrongdoing. The police maintain that their presence was intended to prevent potential violence between rival factions within the organization, following a tip-off regarding possible conflicts.
ACF Calls Police Action Unjustified
In a statement from its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, the ACF criticized the police action as unjustifiable and lacking legal grounding. The forum stated that their headquarters was sealed without a court order, and their only prior indication of potential disruption was an unsigned circular allegedly from Council President Bashir Dalhatu, which suggested cancellation of the NEC meeting.
Clarification on Meeting Legitimacy
The ACF has strongly refuted the notion that the chairperson of the central bank possesses the authority to annul a meeting of the statutory body. The forum’s statement emphasized that it is not aware of any court order or directive that would impede its operations. Furthermore, they clarified that both the NEC meeting and the preceding National Working Committee meeting were organized by ACF Chairman Manman Osman, in accordance with statutory provisions.
Request for Police Intervention
The ACF has called upon Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to take immediate action, urging the Kaduna State Police Commissioner to revoke the lockdown of their secretariat. The forum stressed that there had been no security threat justifying the police’s interference and highlighted that previous meetings had proceeded without incident.
Police Justify Precautionary Measures
In contrast, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansoor Hassan, has clarified that the police did not seal the ACF headquarters but instead deployed officers to the area to prevent any potential altercations. He noted that police had received alerts and formal notices from both factions within the forum, indicating their plans to meet simultaneously at the same venue.
Ongoing Leadership Tensions Within ACF
The contentious situation arises amidst ongoing leadership disputes within the ACF, which have heightened uncertainty regarding authority and constitutional interpretation within this influential socio-political group in Northern Nigeria. The police underscored their commitment to maintaining peace in Kaduna State, emphasizing that such measures were necessary to avoid any breakdown of order in the region.
