The Kano State Government says it will “strictly enforce” its Motorcycling and Related Matters (Regulations) Law, 2013, which prohibits carrying passengers on motorcycles within the metropolis — a move coming amid a sharp rise in banditry across parts of the state.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude, SAN, who announced the enforcement on Monday in Kano, said the law covers eight metropolitan LGAs: Kano Municipal, Gwale, Dala, Nassarawa, Tarauni, Ungogo, Dawakin Kudu (including Tamburawa, Gurjiya, and Jido Ward), Fagge, and Kumbotso.
He reminded residents that violators risk up to six months’ imprisonment, a ₦10,000 fine, and forfeiture of the motorcycle.
Maude explained that in LGAs where commercial motorcycling is allowed, operators must undergo mandatory documentation, including registration with the Ward Head, the Local Government Works Department, and the Divisional Police Officer. He said the process enhances security and helps authorities identify riders and track activities.
The renewed enforcement comes as banditry linked to motorcycle-riding gangs intensifies in Tsanyawa, Shanono, and Bagwai LGAs, where killings and kidnappings have been reported.
More than 25 people were abducted on Sunday night across three Shanono communities — a day after another group of bandits raided Yan Kamaye in Tsanyawa, kidnapping three persons and killing a 60-year-old woman.
Kano, long considered one of the more stable states in the North-west, is now grappling with a growing spillover of banditry from neighbouring Katsina State.