How reintroduction of commercial motorcyclists ban in Kano triggers outcry, confusion as private riders accuse police of rights violation

The recent ban on commercial motorcycles, locally known as Achaba, has generated outcry and confusion across Kano, as private motorcycle owners allege that the police are violating their rights.

Many riders insist that although the ban targets commercial operators, enforcement has included private motorcyclists.

SolaceBase reports that the re-ban followed concerns raised by the state government about the resurgence of Achaba activities in parts of Kano metropolis and surrounding communities.

Initially, commercial motorcycle operations were banned due to security threats posed by Boko Haram insurgents and other criminal activities in 2013.

Similarly, the law was reactivated in 2017 and 2020.

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The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, in a statement, said intelligence reports confirmed that Achaba operators had resumed activities in some areas.

“Despite the longstanding ban, some individuals are now operating motorcycles as commercial operators in parts of the state, creating security challenges that cannot be ignored,” he said.

He added that the government was working closely with security agencies to contain the threat.

However, the operation by security personnel has raised concerns, as private motorcycle riders claim they have been arrested arbitrarily.

SolaceBase reports that in video footage released by the Kano Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, dozens of motorcycles were shown as seized on the first day of enforcement.

But most of the bikes were private motorcycles, including Lifan and electric bikes, not commercial machines.

Reacting to the police operations, Barrister Abba Hikima said the arrests were clearly wrong.

“What happened is obvious. Any police officer who arrests a person in this situation is acting unjustly. Either they do not know the law or they deliberately break it,” he said.

He added that people should stand for their rights and avoid giving bribes. Hikima emphasized that the ban applies only to commercial motorcycles, not private riders.

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“If a man rides his own motorcycle to carry his brother or his wife, there is no law that says he should be arrested. If he is arrested, it is an injustice,” he said.

As complaints grew, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude (SAN), met with the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, and senior officers to address the situation.

Maude confirmed that the Motorcycling and Related Matters (Regulations) Law, 2013 applies only to commercial riders.

“It was confirmed that private motorcyclists are not affected,” he said, stressing that enforcement must be fair, lawful, and respectful of citizens’ rights.

He also said that the police assured him that all personnel would be reminded to follow the law strictly.

For now, Kano residents are watching closely to see if the clarification will stop the arrests of private riders.

The controversy has highlighted the need for security enforcement that respects the rights of ordinary citizens while maintaining public safety.