A human rights activist, Umar Ibrahim Umar, has submitted a formal petition to the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Kano State, raising concerns over what he describes as the unlawful arrest and prosecution of private motorcycle users in the state.
Umar’s petition highlights the misapplication of the Motorcycling and Related Matters (Regulations) Law 2013, which he said is intended to regulate commercial motorcycle operations, not private, non-commercial use.
“The continued arrest and trial of innocent citizens for a non-existent offence is not only unlawful but a violation of their constitutional rights and court-established safeguards,” he said.
He was present alongside Comr. Bello Basi Fagge, Barr. Nura Abdullahi Fagge, and Barr. Tagarji at the Magistrate Court, Gyadi-Gyadi, where several private motorcycle owners were arraigned for alleged offences not supported by any written law.
Umar cited constitutional provisions and judicial precedents, including Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, Aoko v. Fagbemi, Comr. Bello Basi & Ors v. KAROTA, and Sefullahi Oseni, Esq. & Ors v. KAROTA.
The petition urges the Attorney General to “issue a public clarification distinguishing commercial Achaba from private motorcycle use, stop prosecutions of private motorcycle owners, order the release of all persons arrested solely for private motorcycle conveyance,” and ensure strict compliance with court judgments through the Citizens’ Rights Directorate.
Umar further called on the Ministry of Justice, the police, and all security agencies to “respect the Constitution and uphold the rule of law,” warning that persistent violations could lead to judicial redress.
He also appealed to the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant.