KADUNA SENATOR DRAGS GOVERNOR SANI BEFORE ICC OVER ABUSE OF STATE INSTITUTIONS, UNLAWFUL ARRESTS AND POLITICAL PERSECUTION
Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant against Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
The petition cites the arrest and detention of the PDP’s House of Representatives candidate, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, during the August 16, 2025, by-election.
Addressed to the ICC Office of the Prosecutor in The Hague, Senator Usman accused Governor Sani of political persecution, unlawful arrests, and the abuse of state institutions throughout the by-election process.
The lawmaker also alleged that the Governor orchestrated systematic attacks against Princess Dawaki and other PDP members, in violation of international law.
SaharaReporters had previously reported that the Kaduna State PDP accused security forces loyal to Governor Sani of abducting Dawaki, alongside 25 others, describing the act as a blatant abuse of power and an assault on democratic processes.
The party alleged that Operation Fushin Kada, a joint security task force operating under the control of the Kaduna State Government, stormed City Den Hotel in Malali, Kaduna, broke into a room, and attempted to arrest the PDP Campaign Council Chairman, Hon. Hussein Ahmed-Kero.
According to the statement, when they failed to locate him, the armed operatives abducted Dawaki and 25 other PDP members who were lodged at the hotel.
In his petition, Senator Usman alleged that state security agencies and the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were deployed under Governor Sani’s directives to intimidate and incapacitate opposition candidates in the state.
He alleged that the PDP candidate for the by-election was arrested in the early hours of August 16, 2025, while lodged at a hotel in Kaduna.
According to the petition, Senator Usman alleged that the security operatives seized over N26 million belonging to the PDP, meant for election logistics, while more than 25 senior PDP stakeholders, including party executives, women leaders, and a House of Assembly member, were also arrested and detained.
“All with the singular aim of intimidating the opposition and manipulating the outcome of the elections,” the petitioner said.
The lawmaker stated, “These actions were carried out despite the existence of a Peace Accord signed by political parties in Kaduna State, which Governor Uba Sani violated by orchestrating unlawful arrests and intimidation.”
The petitioner noted that the PDP candidate is still currently in EFCC custody, “being unlawfully held by the EFCC under political instructions of Governor Uba Sani.”
Senator Usman argued that the ICC has jurisdiction to entertain his petition under Article 7 of the Rome Statute, which recognises political persecution, unlawful detention, and suppression of democratic participation as crimes against humanity.
“The unlawful arrest, detention, and persecution of opposition candidates and officials amounts to political persecution contrary to Article 7(1)(h) of the Rome Statute,” he stated.
“The systematic abuse of state apparatus to suppress democratic participation amounts to an attack against a civilian population in violation of international human rights and electoral freedoms.”
He added that “Governor Uba Sani, as the sitting Chief Executive of Kaduna State, is personally criminally liable for these acts, both as an instigator and as one exercising command and superior responsibility.”
The petitioner urged the ICC to: “Open an investigation into the conduct of Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State in relation to the August 16, 2025 by-elections.
“Establish criminal liability for persecution, unlawful arrest, and abuse of state power.
“Issue an arrest warrant against Governor Uba Sani to prevent further abuses, intimidation, and suppression of political opposition in Nigeria.
“Take any other measures necessary to guarantee the protection of opposition figures, candidates, and the sanctity of democratic participation in Nigeria.”
Comments are closed.