News

If I were Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, I would respectfully refrain from interfering in Kano politics, as it is not an election season.

Despite my desire to influence the state’s affairs, I would acknowledge that my time in charge has passed, and I would allow Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf to lead as he sees fit.

I have had my time and made significant decisions, even challenging my former long-term boss.

Furthermore, I would prioritize the well-being and safety of the state and its people above my personal political ambitions.

Given my tainted record, I would strive to preserve the remaining respect that some people still hold for me.

Peace.

Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim writes from Cologne, Germany.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Police Commissioner, AIG Usaini Gumel, has refused to enforce Governor Abba Yusuf’s directive to evict the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from the Nasarawa mini palace.

Gumel cited a pending court case filed by the state government, scheduled for June 24, 2024, as the reason for not complying with the governor’s order. 

“The police will not evict the deposed Emir because the same government has filed a case at the State High Court on the eviction order, which would come up on Monday, 24th June 2024,” Gumel explained in a telephone interview with newsmen.

“The government is jumping the gun because the same government has filed a case on the eviction order, which is coming up on the 24th of June, 2024. So, if we carry out the order, it is like we are pre-empting the court because we don’t know what will happen at the court.” 

Despite the police commissioner’s stance, security has been beefed up around the Nasarawa mini palace, with additional personnel deployed to the area.

The deposed Emir remains in the palace, receiving traditional greetings from loyal supporters.

A source close to Bayero debunked rumors of a bulldozer being stationed at the palace for demolition, calling it “social media propaganda.” 

The standoff continues, with the police refusing to act until the court has ruled on the eviction order.

The situation remains tense, with supporters of the deposed Emir and the state government awaiting the outcome of the legal battle.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A Federal High Court in Kano has ruled in favour of Ado Bayero, reinstating him as the Emir of Kano. 

The court set aside the Kano State Emirate Law 2024, which had dissolved the five Emirates in Kano State and led to Bayero’s dethronement. 

Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman delivered the judgment on Thursday, ordering all parties to maintain the status quo. 

This development overturns the decision of the Kano State Government to repeal the law that established the Emirates and enthroned Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano. 

The Kano Government had relied on the repealed law to dethrone Bayero and install Muhammadu Sanusi as the 14th Emir of Kano. 

However, Aminu Babba Danagundi, a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate, challenged the law in court, seeking a declaration of nullity. 

The court’s ruling has now reinstated Bayero as the Emir of Kano, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the Kano emirate. 

Further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court in Kano has postponed its ruling on the validity of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 to 2 pm today.

The judgement was initially set for 12 pm but was shifted before midday, and all parties in the suit were notified. 

The Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 was recently passed by the Kano State House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Abba Yusuf.

The law led to the dethronement of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

It also reversed the creation of four emirates established by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje in 2020. 

However, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Danagundi, challenged the legality of the new law and asked the court to declare it null and void.

After hearing the motion last Friday, Justice Abdullahi Liman of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano adjourned the ruling till today. 

Counsel to the State House of Assembly and its speaker, Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), informed the court of a notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, seeking a stay of proceedings.

However, Justice Liman noted that there was no evidence that the appeal had been entered nor any formal application for a stay filed. 

The court’s ruling today will determine the fate of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 and its implications for the emirates in Kano State.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Federal High Court in Kano will deliver a judgment today on the legality of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024.

The law, enacted by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, led to the removal of Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and the reversal of the creation of four emirates – Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya – by his predecessor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The law also led to the re-appointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was dethroned in 2020, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

Aminu Babba Danagundi, a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate, challenged the law in court, seeking a declaration of its nullity.

The judge, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, will also rule on a motion to stay the proceedings filed by the State Attorney General and Kano State Government.

The ruling will determine the fate of Sanusi and Bayero in the protracted emirate tussle.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At a press conference in Abuja, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), reported significant achievements in the past year, underscoring the agency’s commitment to aligning with the policy directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Adeniyi highlighted notable improvements in revenue collection, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling efforts, and stakeholder collaboration. 

The NCS reported a remarkable 74% increase in revenue collection, totaling N4.49 trillion between June 2023 and May 2024.

This substantial growth is a testament to the service’s enhanced efficiency and dedication to supporting Nigeria’s economic stability. 

In addition to financial achievements, the NCS has successfully decongested ports and reopened critical access roads, facilitating smoother trade operations.

The introduction of a dedicated terminal for exports has further bolstered trade efficiency, leading to significant gains for the economy. 

Adeniyi also stated the intensified efforts against smuggling, which have resulted in numerous notable seizures and arrests, demonstrating the NCS’s commitment to protecting society.

These efforts are complemented by improved collaboration with stakeholders, which has led to an 81.5% improvement in service reform indices, as reflected in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) ranking. 

During the press conference, Adeniyi reassured Nigerians that these measures are designed to benefit the nation’s well-being by facilitating trade, reducing costs, and improving revenue collection to support government initiatives.

He acknowledged challenges, such as exchange rate fluctuations, and noted the NCS’s commitment to addressing these issues. 

The Comptroller-General expressed his appreciation for the support from President Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Finance, and other stakeholders. He reaffirmed the NCS’s dedication to contributing to a safer and more prosperous Nigeria. 

“This year has been transformative for the Nigeria Customs Service, and we are proud of the progress made in various areas. Our focus remains on enhancing trade, protecting our society, and ensuring that we continue to generate the necessary revenue to support national development,” Adeniyi stated.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Federal Government has dismissed reports that Murtala Mohammed Expressway in Abuja has been renamed Wole Soyinka Way.

According to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Information, Rabiu Ibrahim, “the renaming of the Murtala Mohammed Expressway had never been contemplated by this administration.

On June 4, 2024, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a new road in the FCT, codenamed Arterial Road N20 (from Katampe to Jahi), which links the existing Outer Northern Expressway (also known as Murtala Mohammed Expressway) to the Northern Parkway (also called Ahmadu Bello Way).

During the inauguration, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike proposed naming the new road after Prof. Wole Soyinka, and the President agreed.

“Therefore, it is the Arterial Road N20 that was named after Prof Soyinka,” the FG stated.

It added that “the Murtala Mohammed Expressway remains unchanged and continues to bear the name of our esteemed former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed.”

It also urges citizens to “disregard any misinformation regarding the renaming of Murtala Mohammed Expressway.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued an urgent notice warning the public of a fake website purporting to announce an auction of vehicles.

The website, which has not been named, contains scandalous narration aimed at deceiving unsuspecting individuals. 

In a statement, the NCS stated that electronic auctions of vehicles and other items are conducted solely through the official portal (https://auction.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng), adding that members of the public are advised to beware of false information and rely solely on verified social media and communication channels for genuine updates about the NCS. 

The warning reads: “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to alert the general public on this fake website with scandalous narration announcing a purported auction of vehicles.

“Beware of false information to prevent falling victim to scams. Stay informed by relying on our verified social media and other communication channels for genuine updates about NCS.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A 63-year-old Missouri woman, Sandra “Sandy” Hemme, has had her conviction overturned after spending 43 years in prison for a murder she did not commit.

Hemme was convicted in 1985 based on incriminating statements she made while a psychiatric patient, but a judge has now ruled that there is “clear and convincing” evidence of her innocence. 

Livingston County Circuit Judge Ryan Horsman ruled that evidence directly ties the murder of Patricia Jeschke to a local police officer, Michael Holman, who has since died.

Hemme must be freed within 30 days unless prosecutors decide to re-try her. Hemme’s legal team, with the Innocence Project, argued that authorities ignored contradictory statements and failed to disclose evidence that would have helped her defense.

Her attorneys said, “We are grateful to the Court for acknowledging the grave injustice Ms. Hemme has endured for more than four decades.” 

Hemme’s conviction was the longest-known wrongful conviction of a woman in US history. She initially pleaded guilty to capital murder to avoid the death penalty, but her conviction was later overturned on appeal.

At her retrial in 1985, the only evidence against her was her contradictory and factually impossible “confession” made while a psychiatric patient. 

Hemme’s attorneys noted that she had a history of inpatient psychiatric care, having spent most of her life in treatment since age 12.

Her exoneration is a testament to the tireless efforts of her legal team and the Innocence Project, bringing an end to a 43-year-long grave injustice.

By Abdullahi Khairallah

Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima; Borno State Acting Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; and the Shehu of Borno, HRH Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, led thousands of Muslim faithful to observe Eid prayers in Maiduguri.

The two raka’at prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Borno, Imam Shettima Saleh, at Ramat Square, Borno’s central Eid ground.

Other dignitaries include Senator representing Borno North, Sen. MT Monguno; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkareem Lawan; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; former Deputy Governor, Hon. Usman Mamman Durkwa; Members of the State House of Assembly; Hon. Commissioners and Members of the State Executive Council; Special Advisers; Senior Special Assistants; and Special Assistants.

Delivering his Eid sermon, Imam Shettima reiterated the importance of peaceful coexistence and prayed for a bountiful harvest as the cropping season begins.

Shortly after the prayer, the Acting Governor thanked Almighty Allah for making it possible to witness yet another Eidul Adha while congratulating the Muslim Ummah for the successful Eid prayer.

“Secondly, we want to wish all those who traveled to Saudi Arabia a successful and rewarding Hajj exercise. May Allah accept all their prayers,” Kadafur said.

He further urged Muslims to be law-abiding, peace-loving, and enjoined them to use this occasion for sober reflection and prayer for lasting peace in the state.

Prayers were offered for the restoration of total peace in Borno, the northeast, and the entire country.