By Our Correspondent

A prominent constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, Esq., has written an open letter to the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, appealing for the immediate lifting of the nighttime motorcycle ban currently enforced across the state.

In the letter titled “Appeal for the Lifting of the Nighttime Motorcycle Ban in Our Beloved State, Gombe”, Dantani commended Governor Yahaya’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Gombe residents but argued that the ongoing ban, which restricts motorcycle operations between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., has become “a cure far worse than the disease it seeks to address.”

Dantani noted that while the policy was initially introduced by the Gombe State Police Command as a measure to tackle insecurity, its continued enforcement has inflicted severe economic and social hardship on law-abiding citizens. He stressed that the ban disproportionately affects the livelihoods of commercial motorcycle operators, many of whom are breadwinners sustaining their families, paying school fees, and meeting hire-purchase obligations.

“Your Excellency, with the utmost respect, the continuation of this restriction is a cure far worse than the disease it seeks to address,” the lawyer wrote. “The unintended consequences have become more severe and far-reaching, disrupting essential services and crippling economic activity, especially for those who operate motorcycles at night.”

Dantani reminded Governor Yahaya of his constitutional responsibility as the chief security officer of the state, citing Section 14 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which declares the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government. He also referenced legal precedents such as Bariga-Amange v. Adumen (2016) 13 NWLR (Pt. 1530) 349, which underscores the balance between security and the welfare of citizens.

The rights activist criticized the rationale that the restriction would reduce mobile phone theft, arguing that criminals can easily switch to other means of transportation such as tricycles or private vehicles.

“Blanket policies that punish law-abiding citizens alongside criminals cannot address the root causes of insecurity,” he warned.

Citing the experiences of neighboring states like Borno and Yobe, where similar bans were either ineffective or later lifted due to economic hardship, Dantani urged the Gombe State Government not to ignore the lessons learned from such measures.

The lawyer further highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of the ban, pointing out that hospital workers, food vendors, traders, and religious leaders have all been adversely affected. He noted that even some police officers tasked with enforcing the policy have faced transportation challenges.

“This is a democracy, and the people—the market woman, the night-time nurse, the okada rider, and the student walking home after evening prayers—bear the brunt of this decision. They are groaning under hardship and calling upon your compassionate leadership,” he said.

Concluding his appeal, Dantani called on Governor Yahaya to reconsider the policy in the interest of fairness and progress:

“Let reason prevail. Let the voices of the people be heard. Let Gombe continue its march towards prosperity, unhindered by measures that inadvertently punish the people they are meant to protect.”

The letter, which is already circulating widely among Gombe residents, has sparked fresh debate on the effectiveness and fairness of the nighttime motorcycle ban. Many residents have echoed Dantani’s sentiments, calling on the government to adopt more targeted and intelligence-driven security measures rather than blanket restrictions.

By Our Correspondent

The recent restriction on motorcycle movement in Gombe State has continued to generate heated debate, drawing the attention of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the Gombe State Police Command. What began as public outcry over the ban has now evolved into a conversation between the state government, security agencies, and community stakeholders.

In a recent account, Ahmed — a prominent social commentator in the state — revealed that Governor Inuwa Yahaya personally reached out to him after reading his social media posts about the issue.

“Ahmed, I am not giving you an instruction but advice. You should go and see the Commissioner of Police and ask him to tell you his own side of the measures taken and the reason for taking them,” the Governor reportedly said.

Police Commissioner Speaks

Following the Governor’s advice, Ahmed visited the Gombe State Police Command Headquarters to meet with the Commissioner of Police (CP), who was waiting to discuss the issue. The CP clarified that the motorcycle restriction was not imposed by Governor Inuwa but was a result of five months of investigations and intelligence gathering by the police.

The CP revealed that before enforcing the restriction, he had consulted extensively with critical stakeholders, including:

Motorcycle Operators’ Union

Religious leaders

Ward heads and traditional rulers

The Union of Knife and Cutlass Retailers

These consultations, he said, were necessary to understand the crime trends linked to motorcycle operations across the state.

Motorcycles and Rising Crime

The CP disclosed alarming statistics linking private motorcycle riders to violent crimes in Gombe.

“You will be shocked to know that 95% of the murder cases, phone snatching, and other mobile crimes are committed by private motorcyclists, and they are in the majority,” he said.

According to the CP, 17 underaged boys are currently in detention for murder, all involving the use of knives and motorcycles. Due to their ages, the police cannot remand them in prison and are consulting with the State Chief Judge and Attorney General to determine the next course of action.

He also narrated a case where a single suspect bought 24 stolen motorcycles in just two weeks, raising concerns about the scale of motorcycle theft and crime networks in the state.

Motorcycle Seizures

The CP further disclosed that the police had released 900 motorcycles within the past 48 hours, but 67 others remain in custody because their owners failed to provide registration documents or proof of ownership.

“Almost all the motorcycles we released had no registration documents, and many owners could not explain where they got them from,” he stated.

Governor’s Role in Security

When asked why the Governor was not directly consulted before the restriction, the CP explained the operational autonomy of the police.

“The Governor is administratively the head, but operationally, I, the CP, am in charge. The Governor does not promote a Commissioner of Police, but my performance and discipline do. Therefore, any action that enhances the safety of lives and property in Gombe does not require the Governor’s direct approval,” he clarified.

The CP, however, praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his understanding and unwavering support to the police in tackling insecurity.

What Next?

While residents await further clarification on the scope and duration of the restriction, the CP insisted that the measure is necessary to curb rising crimes associated with motorcycle operations.

The discussion on balancing public safety with transportation needs remains ongoing, and the public is eager to see how the government and police will address the challenges.

To be continued.

By Our Political Reporter

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Comrade Muhammad Kabiru (popularly known as K. Bature), has openly criticized Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration over the continued ban on motorcycle operations from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. across the state.

Comrade Bature, a grassroots mobilizer from Funakaye Local Government Area, expressed disappointment with the policy, describing it as a major contributor to economic stagnation, rising poverty, and social frustration in the state.

“I mobilized people to vote for Governor Inuwa Yahaya. They voted because of me. But I cannot support this motorcycle ban. It is not in the interest of the people,” he said.

According to Bature, the restriction on motorcycles — popularly known as achaba — has crippled night-time economic activities, especially in Gombe metropolis, where thousands depend on commercial motorcycle operations for daily sustenance.

“This policy has pushed countless families into hardship. It directly and indirectly affects homes, breadwinners, and small businesses. Since this ban was introduced, Gombe State has lost no less than N100 million in economic value,” he stated.

He called on Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the Gombe State Commissioner of Police to immediately reconsider the policy, warning that the voices of the people must not be ignored in a democratic system.

“People are saying terrible things about our government because of this. We must listen to them. This is a democracy. We were voted in by the people, and we will soon return to ask for their votes again. Let us lead by example,” Bature added.

The motorcycle restriction was initially introduced as a security measure, but critics argue that it has outlived its purpose and is now doing more harm than good. Comrade Bature’s strong words reflect growing dissatisfaction even within the ruling party’s ranks.

As 2027 edges closer, political observers say such dissenting voices from within the APC could signal broader frustrations that the administration must address if it hopes to retain power.