By Staff Reporter
@ www.katsinatimes.com
The biography of the late Police Commissioner and former Inspector General of Police, Kumasi, was nearing completion before his death, according to the writer and researcher who had been working closely with him on the project for decades.
Speaking in an interview, the author revealed that work on the book began in 1999 and had reached an advanced stage before the late police chief passed away.
“We had reached a stage where the book was almost completed before his death,” he said. “He was the person I consulted throughout the process. We were in the final chapter, where he was documenting his experiences as Inspector General of Police.”
According to the author, the book is a comprehensive account of Kumasi’s life, career, family background, and public service. It also examines key events during his tenure as Inspector General, a period marked by significant developments in Nigeria’s policing history.
“He always insisted that we should be careful and accurate in reporting events, especially those that occurred during his time as Inspector General,” he explained.
The biography also explores Kumasi’s roots in the renowned Kumasi family, his friendships, personal interests, and relationships with his immediate and extended family members. The project was developed in a collaborative manner, with both the author and Kumasi contributing written materials and reviewing them together.
The writer disclosed that he conducted extensive interviews with family members, friends, associates, and former colleagues of the late police chief. Most of the interviews were recorded and incorporated into the manuscript.
“Before his death, we had agreed on about 700 pages,” he said. “He had already written substantial portions of the final chapter and supported many of his recollections with official documents. I still have all those materials.”
Following Kumasi’s death, discussions regarding publication are now being held with his family. The author said the manuscript has been handed to Kumasi’s eldest daughter so that other family members can review it and grant their consent before publication.
“Obviously, the family supports the publication,” he noted. “At the moment, they are studying the work and discussing the next steps.”
The writer also reflected on Kumasi’s personal qualities, describing him as a man of integrity, honesty, hard work, and humility.
“If you spent time with him, you would learn many things,” he said. “You would learn sincerity, transparency, respect for people regardless of their status, and the importance of hard work.”
He noted that these values were evident in the way Kumasi raised his children and interacted with others.
“He believed in helping people become self-reliant rather than simply giving them money. He would encourage people to work hard, improve themselves, and develop their talents,” the author added.
The researcher further described Kumasi as an intellectual who valued education and encouraged learning. He recalled writing numerous Hausa-language speeches for him and receiving guidance, corrections, and recommendations for further reading in return.
Asked about the lessons readers could draw from the book, the author pointed to Kumasi’s upbringing under his father, Malam Ahmadu Kumasi, whom he described as a respected figure known for instilling discipline, hard work, and service to others in his children.
The book also highlights Kumasi’s deep respect for traditional institutions and northern Nigerian culture. Despite spending his career in modern law enforcement, he remained closely connected to traditional leadership structures after retirement.
“There is hardly an Emir or traditional institution in northern Nigeria that he did not have a relationship with or influence on,” the author said. “He respected traditional rulers greatly and maintained strong ties with them throughout his life.”
He expressed confidence that the completed biography would attract wide readership, describing it as both academically rigorous and rich in historical insights.
“When people read the book, they will discover the life of a remarkable public servant, a cultural ambassador, and a man who dedicated himself to helping others succeed,” he said.
This story was culled from an interview with Dr Aliyu Maikaji funtua in 2023 with katsina city news magazine and it was published in july 2023 edition of the magazine.
