Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Kano — The Kano State Police Command has taken into custody a 25-year-old man, Ididiong James, accused of assaulting his own mother and unlawfully possessing a firearm, marking a rare but serious instance of domestic violence coupled with illegal arms possession in the northern Nigerian state. The arrest underscores ongoing concerns over private gun proliferation and family-related violence in urban and peri-urban areas.
The incident unfolded on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m. when officers attached to the Panshekara Police Division responded to a distress call from a residential area in Panshekara Quarters, a densely populated neighbourhood in Kano metropolis. Upon arrival at the reported address, officers discovered James allegedly beating his mother inside their family home. Confronted by the police presence, the suspect reportedly attempted to flee the scene, but was later tracked and detained by officers.
During the initial response, the suspect’s mother handed over an English-made Beretta pistol along with eight rounds of ammunition to the police. She told investigators she had found the weapon in her son’s belongings and refused to relinquish it to him, a decision that purportedly triggered the violent confrontation. The firearm and ammunition were subsequently taken into police custody as evidence in the ongoing case.
The motive behind James’s alleged violent conduct remains under investigation. However, both police and family members cited changes in his behaviour following a New Year’s celebration, raising concerns about possible alcohol or substance influences, or other behavioural stressors that may have contributed to the escalation. Law enforcement officials have not released a formal statement establishing a definitive motive.
Kano State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, provided official confirmation of the suspect’s arrest in a statement issued on Wednesday. According to Kiyawa, James is currently in police custody as the case proceeds through preliminary investigative stages and potential criminal charges. The specific legal statutes under which he may be charged—whether assault, unlawful possession of a firearm, or related offences—have not yet been formally disclosed by the command.
Police Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu Bakori publicly commended the victim, James’s mother, for her courage in confronting her son and cooperating with authorities. In remarks delivered through the police hierarchy, Commissioner Bakori emphasised the importance of family vigilance and community cooperation in reporting and addressing violent behaviour and suspicious activities that could escalate into more serious harm. He urged parents and guardians across Kano State to maintain awareness of their children’s conduct and to seek police assistance promptly when concerned about safety or unlawful activity.
The arrest has prompted broader discussions among residents and local observers about the risks associated with illegal firearm possession in civilian settings, particularly where firearms are not registered or properly secured. Northern Nigerian states—including Kano—have faced persistent challenges in controlling the circulation of small arms and light weapons, which often find their way into civilian hands through criminal networks, theft, or cross-border flows. While most such incidents relate to organised crime or communal conflicts, this case highlights vulnerabilities within private households.
Domestic violence remains a significant social issue in Nigeria, with formal statistics indicating high prevalence rates in various states, particularly where socio-economic stressors such as unemployment, housing insecurity, and social marginalisation are present. Although comprehensive national data specific to domestic violence are limited, official and civil society reports routinely call for strengthened legal protections and support mechanisms for victims, including improved law enforcement responsiveness and accessible support services. The Kano case adds to this context, illustrating how domestic violence can intersect with illegal arms issues.
Under Nigerian law, the unlawful possession of firearms carries substantial penalties, reflecting the government’s recognition of the threat posed by unlicensed guns to public safety and security. The Firearms Act and related regulations mandate strict licensing procedures for all firearms, and possession without appropriate documentation is penalised. Cases involving illegal weapons are often handled in conjunction with law enforcement and judicial oversight to ensure adherence to due process. Authorities have indicated that charges against James will align with applicable statutes as the investigation progresses.
The police command has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the rule of law and protecting citizens, urging residents to report incidents of violence, illegal firearm possession, and other threats to public order. Emergency contact numbers and the locations of police divisions across Kano State have been made available for members of the public to share information or request urgent assistance. Community leaders and civil society advocates have welcomed this emphasis on active reporting, noting that timely communication between citizens and police can play a critical role in preventing more serious crimes.
As investigations continue, the case of Ididiong James will likely be closely watched in Kano and beyond as an example of how law enforcement and communities respond to intertwined issues of domestic violence and gun ownership. The outcome may also inform broader policy discussions on how to enhance safety frameworks within families and urban neighbourhoods across Nigeria, with an emphasis on preventing the misuse of firearms and protecting vulnerable individuals from harm.
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