Local

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has refuted reports alleging the diversion of N6.5 billion from the state treasury, dismissing them as “false narratives orchestrated by the opposition to tarnish the image of the administration.”

The rebuttal follows a report by Daily Nigerian on August 22, 2025, which claimed that the Director-General of the Government House Protocol Directorate, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, was linked to an alleged diversion of public funds already before the High Court.

In a statement issued on Monday, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General of Media and Publicity at the Government House, maintained that all financial dealings of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) strictly adhere to budgetary guidelines and established financial regulations.

“Every cash outflow into MDAs is duly budgeted with clear codes in the state’s fiscal policy. No government official accesses public funds without a defined purpose,” Bature stated.

He noted that the Protocol Directorate is responsible for logistics, welfare, and official engagements of the governor and visiting dignitaries, explaining that about 95 per cent of its functions involve financial transactions conducted with government approval.

The statement stressed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration would not allow the integrity of its officials to be undermined by political propaganda.

“The Yusuf administration remains committed to financial prudence, transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption. We will not allow our aides’ reputations to be destroyed by deliberate blackmail from unpatriotic elements,” it said.

The government reaffirmed confidence in Rogo’s credibility, describing the allegations as unfounded. It added that all officials, including the Director-General of Protocol, are open to scrutiny by anti-graft agencies when required.

It further accused political opponents of sponsoring the allegations as part of a smear campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

“These claims are nothing but fiction designed by desperate politicians relying on propaganda to remain relevant,” the statement noted.

The government also pointed to alleged financial mismanagement under former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s administration, citing withdrawals of over N20 billion between February and May 2023. It referenced the dollar-video scandal as evidence of what it called “eight years marred by corruption.”

While pledging transparency, the government warned it may pursue legal action against those spreading misinformation.

“No propaganda, fabricated claims, or media trials will derail our determination to serve the people with honesty and accountability,” the statement added.

It concluded by noting that it would not comment further on the matter since it is already before a competent court.

By Uzair Adam 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, says it has arrested a 27-year-old man in possession of nine kilograms of Cannabis Sativa (Colorado) valued at more than N10 million.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday in Kano by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari.

He explained that the suspect, a resident of Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State, was arrested on August 6 along the Zaria–Kano Road by operatives of the Kiru Area Command while transporting 19 parcels of the substance from Lagos to Kano.

According to Muhammad-Maigatari, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the illicit trade and had been on the command’s watchlist before his arrest.

He noted that the seizure inflicted a major financial loss on the drug network, disrupting their supply chain and denying them revenue for further criminal activities.

“Removing this quantity from circulation also helps protect vulnerable communities from the social and economic harms associated with the trade in narcotics,” he said.

The spokesperson added that under the leadership of Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, the Kano Strategic Command will continue to strengthen patrols and intelligence-driven operations to curb drug trafficking in the state.

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State Police Command has announced a ban on the operation of tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep, by underage individuals within the Kano metropolis.

Spokesperson of the Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, in a video he posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday, said the decision followed a disturbing increase in accidents linked to underage riders. 

He added that the practice was responsible for 16 serious but preventable crashes, resulting in injuries and damage to property.

Kiyawa further noted that the Command has observed a growing trend of road users disregarding traffic lights and other regulations, a development he described as a major cause of avoidable accidents and traffic gridlock in the state.

He warned that riding tricycles by underage persons remains prohibited under the law and poses serious risks to both the riders and other road users. 

Parents and guardians, he stressed, must stop allowing their children to operate tricycles, as offenders—both the riders and the owners—will face severe penalties.

“All road users must obey traffic lights and other traffic regulations. The Command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating traffic laws to ensure the safety and security of road users,” the statement added. 

He noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, assured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property. 

He said enforcement teams have been deployed and urged members of the public to report underage tricycle riding, reckless driving, or other traffic offences to the nearest police station or via 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926.

By Anas Abbas

The Katsina State High Court has sentenced two individuals to death for the murder of Dr. Rabe Nasir, a former Commissioner for Science and Technology in the state.

The verdict was delivered by Justice Ibrahim Mashi at High Court 9 in Katsina.

The convicted men, Shamsu Lawal, who previously worked as a security guard for the late commissioner, and Tasi’u Rabi’u, his cook, were found guilty of poisoning Dr. Nasir in his residence at Fatima Shema Quarters in 2021. The prosecution revealed that the pair resorted to poisoning after their attempts to rob him had failed.

Evidence presented during the trial included a joint autopsy conducted by police and medical officials, which confirmed the presence of poison in Dr. Nasir’s body.

In addition to the death sentences, another former guard of the deceased, Sani Sa’adu, received a five-year prison term for withholding information regarding the murder. Meanwhile, a female suspect, Gift Bako, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking her to the crime.

The defense attorney for the convicted men, Ahmad Murtala Kankia, requested leniency from the court, highlighting that both men have families and dependents who rely on them.

Dr. Rabe Nasir was not only a former commissioner but also a retired anti-graft officer and had served as a federal legislator representing Mani and Bindawa local governments in 2003 during the administration of former Governor Aminu Masari.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, Ibrahim Ali Namadi, has stepped down from his position following a probe into his alleged involvement in securing bail for a suspected drug dealer, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu.

The development was made public on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, shortly after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf received the report of the investigative committee set up to look into the matter.

Namadi said his resignation was in the overriding public interest, considering the sensitivity of the issue and the administration’s strong stance against drug-related crimes.

“As a member of an administration that has consistently championed the fight against the sales and consumption of illicit drugs, it behoves me to take this step—painful as it may be,” he stated, while maintaining his innocence.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Yusuf for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his loyalty to the ideals of transparency and good governance.

The governor has since accepted the resignation, commended the commissioner for his service, and wished him well in his future endeavours.

He also reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for drug-related offences and called on political appointees to exercise caution in matters of public concern.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A well-known cleric, Musa Yusuf, popularly called Asadus-Sunnah, has revealed that terrorist leader Bello Turji has freed 32 people who were held hostage and promised to halt his group’s assaults on local farmers.

This followed a series of meetings between Turji and Islamic scholars in Zamfara State.Speaking during a religious event in Kaduna on Monday, Yusuf said the peace discussions were initiated in July and took place in the Fakai forest in Shinkafi Local Government Area.

He explained that the clerics met with Turji and other key fighters including Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila.

All the parties reportedly agreed to the peace terms.

According to him, “We met Mr Turji, Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila. The speculation that Dan Bakkolo was killed is not true. These people are the ones terrorising the axis, and they all agreed to the peace proposals, one of which is for them to surrender some of their arms to show commitment to the peace process.”

Yusuf said the bandits released the arms in three separate batches and gave residents of Shinkafi access to farmland across the river leading to Turji’s camp.

He added, “We agreed that the Fulanis must be allowed to go to town without being stereotyped or killed by the vigilante.”

As part of the agreement, Turji released 32 hostages.

Yusuf presented a video that showed the harsh conditions the victims endured before reaching the terrorist leader’s hideout.

He said the captives, which included women and children, spent nearly four months in captivity.

One woman reportedly gave birth during her time in the camp, while another was bitten by a snake.

Yusuf stated that the Shinkafi axis has since experienced relative calm.

Farmers are now working on their lands without fear of abduction.

He mentioned that while the talks had brought some relief to the area, negotiations were ongoing to convince Turji to commit fully to the peace plan.

However, the clerics chose not to demand a complete surrender of arms so as not to expose Turji to attacks from rival armed groups who are not part of the current discussions.

The cleric also cautioned religious figures who have been attacking Turji on social media. He warned that such actions could worsen the situation.

Yusuf acknowledged that the peace initiative would not completely end the insecurity in Zamfara, but pointed out that communities within Turji’s area of control are now enjoying some stability.

He praised President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and Senator Shehu Buba for supporting non-military approaches to resolving the region’s security crisis.

In a video released last October, Turji had insisted that true peace would remain out of reach in Zamfara until government forces and vigilantes stopped targeting Fulani communities.

“This is why we are calling on all of you to come and collaborate with us for peace to reign and stop the bloodbath in Zamfara. Guns and airstrikes will not stop us because we are not afraid of death,” he said.

He also dismissed the political back-and-forth between Governor Lawal and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, saying neither was truly concerned about the people’s welfare.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

In a major stride toward social justice and responsible governance, the Kano State Government has cleared ₦22 billion out of the ₦48 billion backlog owed to retired workers and families of deceased civil servants.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the release of the fourth tranche of ₦6 billion, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described the payments as a milestone in his administration’s commitment to restoring dignity to pensioners and bereaved families.

“This settlement is part of our broader agenda to address long-standing liabilities and reposition Kano State as a model of responsible governance,” the governor said.

Governor Yusuf emphasised that the payments not only bring relief to affected families but also reaffirm his administration’s dedication to restoring trust in government institutions. He assured that the remaining ₦26 billion will be paid in subsequent tranches.

“No pensioner or bereaved family will be left behind,” he declared.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A coalition of concerned citizens has issued a strong call to the Nigeria Police Force for an urgent investigation into what they describe as “premeditated acts of provocation and incitement” targeting the Kano Emirate.

The group, led by Secretary General Rabiu Matazu, alleges that recent unrest surrounding the annual Durbar celebrations was orchestrated by associates of the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero. According to the statement, supporters of the former Emir had publicly mobilised thugs via social media to gather at his Mandawari residence, which lies directly along the route of Emir Sanusi’s durbar procession.

The release also describes a separate incident involving Aminu Ado Bayero’s convoy, which reportedly passed in front of Gidan Rumfa — the official residence of the Emir — during a condolence visit. Eyewitnesses claim the convoy tore down official banners and damaged parts of the palace wall, while chanting threats against Emir Sanusi.

“This is not [a] mere coincidence,” the statement read. “These are coordinated efforts to provoke confrontation and destabilise the Emirate.”

In stark contrast, the statement commended Emir Sanusi II for what it described as a peaceful and respectful gesture during the Nasarawa Eid durbar, deliberately avoiding the Nasarawa Palace where Bayero is said to be “squatting.”

The group is demanding that the police investigate all aspects of the incidents, including social media incitement, acts of vandalism, and the role of any influential individuals behind the provocations. They emphasise that accountability should not be selective.

“Kano has suffered enough,” the statement concluded. “The people deserve peace, stability, and a police force that enforces the law without fear or favour.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Security forces in Katsina State, Northern Nigeria, have announced the killing of 30 bandits following a counter-operation in Faskari Local Government Area.

The action came in response to attacks launched by the terrorists on three villages within the state on Tuesday.

The bandits had targeted the villages of Kadisau, Raudama, and Sabon Layi.

This prompted a coordinated response involving ground troops from the police and army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force.

The joint operation successfully neutralized 30 terrorists.

However, the engagement resulted in the loss of five security personnel and one civilian.Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the success.

He stated that security forces, acting on prior intelligence about the bandits’ planned attack, deployed personnel from Dandume and the Nigerian Air Force to intercept the assailants.

“After a prolonged gunfight involving ground and air assets,” Mu’azu said, “the bandits’ attempted attack was successfully repelled.”

Katsina State is located in Nigeria’s troubled North-West region, which has endured persistent bandit attacks leading to significant loss of lives and property.

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State government has ordered a temporary stoppage of the importation of metal scraps and waste materials from the Northeastern states, especially those ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.

The order is contained in a press statement by Muhammad Dahir Idris, the Director of Public Relations and Enlightenment of the ministry, which was made available to journalists.

According to the statement, the commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, AVM Ibrahim Umaru (Rtd), gave the directive on Wednesday during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Scraps and Waste Dealers, Employers of Nigeria.

Umaru said the order was due to the recent bomb explosion at the warehouse of such scrap materials along the Western Bypass Road and the Kofar Ruwa, which resulted in the loss of lives and properties.

He urged members of the association to take preventive measures aimed at preventing such occurrences and ensure that explosives are not present in scrap materials before they are imported into the state.

“As Kano State will continue to protect your interest and your business, you should come up with a written policy and plans that will boost your business,” the commissioner urged the association.

On his part, the Regional President of the association, Aminu Hassan, informed the commissioner that his association had already ceased purchasing scrap and waste materials from states affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.

He assured Umaru that they would continue to be law-abiding business partners, just as he emphasised the need for the Kano State government to support them in improving their businesses.

The president further outlined some challenges bedevilling the association, including the inflow of underage children as scavengers, even as he readily disassociated the group from any form of involvement in the use of children as scavengers in the business.

However, he blamed the parents or guardians of such children and wards for their poor moral upbringing.

Hassan assured the commissioner that his association would not relent in its efforts to prevent the future occurrence of such incidents.