Arewa

Northern lights: How a community fought back against creative exploitation

By Harajana Umar Ragada

The offer felt like a golden ticket. A celebrated Nigerian celebrity was hosting a festival and needed a spoken word documentary. For a talented artist in Northern Nigeria, this was the sought-after break, a chance to step into a national spotlight reserved for the chosen few. She believed in her craft, and she said yes.

The project was defined: two videos, one in Hausa, one in English, featuring her voice and her performance. She submitted her fees, a fair reflection of her skill. The project manager’s reassurance was smooth, hinging on the host’s lofty reputation. “Trust the process,” she was told. And so, she did.

She requested an advance to book studio time. A partial payment was made to her, but it was insufficient and did not cover Abuja’s professional studio rates. She dipped into her own resources to make it work. When the video shoot approached, another surprise: she was to supply her own costume due to “budget constraints.” Professional to her core, she invested in the perfect attire, believing her dedication would be honoured.

Then, the turnaround. After she sent the final recordings, she was called upon that the celebrity’s sister would headline the Hausa version. Her role was being reduced to just the English piece. She objected firmly; this was not their agreement, and her payment was still pending. After tense negotiations, a new, fragile deal was struck: she would be credited as a collaborator, and nothing would be posted without her approval.

On a sunny afternoon, they summoned her to the Art and Craft Village for the shoot. When she arrived, she found them already filming the sister. When she reminded them of their terms, the promises flowed anew: payment after filming, glowing accolades, and the full weight of the celebrity’s influence to boost her career. Placing her trust in that stature one more time, she completed the work.

What followed was a masterclass in creative exploitation. They chipped away at her agreed rate, pleading budgetary limitations. They sold her on a future of unlocked doors and dazzling opportunities, convincing her to accept far less, to trade monetary value for the currency of exposure and credit. She acquiesced, hoping the recognition would be worth it.

Months slipped by without the remaining payment. After persistent appeals, another fraction of the sum arrived. Weary, she let it go, choosing peace over a protracted fight.

Then the video was live. And as she watched, a cold realisation settled in. Every name was listed in the credits… except hers. Her voice filled the piece, but she had been erased completely. Not a mention, not a link, not a trace. The feeling was a hollow mix of betrayal and devaluation; she had been used and then discarded.

This story is not a solitary lament. It is the shared refrain of countless creatives. Like Abdulmajid Gambo Danbaba, a poet from Katsina, who discovered his deeply personal poem “I am Me,” born of his childhood struggles, and proudly posted it on another man’s Facebook page, claiming it as his own. The confrontation was messy, requiring the threat of legal action to force an apology and a takedown.

These are the everyday hazards in the digital marketplace of ideas, where work is copied, credit is stolen, and promises are broken. So, what can be done?

Navigating the Minefield: Wisdom from the Frontlines

We turned to experts to demystify the path from vulnerability to empowerment.

Dr. Ismail Bala, a renowned poet and critic, frames the issue clearly. He defines creative exploitation as using another’s work without payment or permission, and plagiarism as outright theft of authorship. His advice is twofold: vigilance and formalisation. “Copyright your work,” he urges. “And move beyond handshake deals. Any collaboration needs a legal contract, however simple.”

The consequences, he notes, are both emotional and economic; a loss of confidence and a loss of livelihood. While social media democratizes sharing, it also facilitates this theft. The remedy, he states, is a cultural shift toward fundamental respect, acknowledging sources and compensating creators fairly.

Muhammed Bello Buhari, a digital rights activist, frames this not as a mere commercial issue but as a human right. “Your creativity is your voice. To steal it is to strip you of your agency and dignity,” he explains. International law protects the moral and material interests of creators, but the systems are often skewed toward those with power and lawyers.

He highlights the legal grey zone that creatives must navigate. “The law protects your specific expression, not the general idea. Someone can mimic your style without crossing a legal line, which is why documentation is your greatest weapon.”

Buhari champions the “paper trail.” Your drafts, timestamped files, and email records become irrefutable proof of ownership. “That version history is your shield,” he says.

MB Buhari recommends a practical toolkit for every creator:

1. Document Everything: Create a “receipt culture.” Save early drafts, note creation dates, and follow up verbal agreements with a confirming email or message.

2. Mark Your Territory: Use the copyright symbol (©) on your work. It’s a simple but clear signal of ownership.

3. Have the “Terms” Talk: Before sharing work, state clearly how it can be used. A simple text message can form a basic contract.

4. Leverage Community and Platforms: Use the court of public opinion respectfully but firmly. Know how to issue a DMCA takedown notice on social platforms to remove stolen content.

5. Embrace Simple Contracts: Outline collaboration terms, ownership, and credit in writing. “A contract is a seatbelt for your creativity,” Buhari notes.

6. Seek Strength in Numbers: Join creative associations and leverage pro-bono legal networks. There is power in collective advocacy.

The Northern Star: A Community’s Victory

The most powerful chapter in this story is its conclusion. When the spoken word artist was erased, she did not stay silent. She shared her story. And the Northern creative community erupted. They became her amplifiers, her defenders, and her unyielding support system. Through poems, posts, and shared outrage, they applied a pressure that no individual could. Faced with this unified front, the celebrity apologised.

This is the ultimate blueprint. The fight against exploitation is not a solo journey. It is fought by building a community that values integrity over influence, that champions credit over “exposure,” and that stands as a united front against those who would diminish their peers. It is about transforming individual vulnerability into collective, unshakeable strength.

Harajana Umar Ragada wrote via kharajnah@gmail.com.

Nasarawa North senator dies at 52

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Senator Godiya Akwashiki, representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District, has reportedly passed away in India at the age of 52 after a prolonged illness.

A family source, who requested anonymity, confirmed the senator’s death and described it as a significant loss to the district, Nasarawa State, and the nation at large.

“Since the creation of Nasarawa North, Senator Akwashiki has been the best the district ever produced, owing to his purposeful leadership,” the source stated.

Akwashiki, a native of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, was first elected to the Nigerian Senate in 2019 and re-elected in 2023 on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force and was a former Senate spokesperson.

Until his passing on December 31, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India, Senator Akwashiki was widely respected for his dedication to legislative excellence, grassroots development, and public accountability.

Jigawa road accident claims 11 lives, injures 12

By Anas Abbas

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that 11 passengers lost their lives and 12 others sustained injuries in a single-vehicle crash along the Ringim-Sankara-Beguwa road in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

Ado Adamu, Acting Commander of the FRSC unit in Ringim, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the accident occurred at about 4:45 p.m. on Thursday. The Volkswagen vehicle involved was carrying 23 passengers seven males and 16 females when it was involved in the crash.

According to Adamu, preliminary findings indicate that the crash was caused by a tyre burst aggravated by excessive speeding, which forced the vehicle off the road.

Eleven of the passengers five males and six females died as a result of the accident, while 12 others, comprising seven males and five females, were injured and taken to Ringim General Hospital for treatment.

The FRSC Sector Commander for Jigawa, Mr. Umar Matazu, has extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Adamu also said the victims were traveling from Bauchi State toward Kankia Local Government Area in Katsina State when the crash occurred.

Kano govt pledges action as banned Achaba operations resurface

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has expressed concern over the resurgence of commercial motorcycle operations, popularly known as Achaba, vowing decisive measures to protect residents and their property.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, revealed in a statement on Sunday that intelligence reports confirm the return of Achaba activities in several areas of Kano metropolis and surrounding border communities.

“Despite the longstanding ban, some individuals are now operating motorcycles as commercial operators in parts of the state, creating security challenges that cannot be ignored,” Waiya said.

He assured that the government is collaborating closely with security agencies to contain the threat, noting that all necessary support has been provided to ensure their operations are effective and professional.

“Our security agencies are fully on top of the situation. We remain committed to deploying any additional assistance required to protect the lives and property of Kano residents,” the commissioner emphasized.

Addressing public suggestions for enhanced monitoring, including surveillance at the state’s entry and exit points, Waiya said these recommendations are being reviewed as part of a comprehensive security strategy.

“We sincerely appreciate the vigilance, cooperation, and patriotism of the people of Kano. Their input strengthens our efforts to overcome security challenges,” he added.

The commissioner reiterated that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration is determined to restore peace and stability across all 44 Local Government Areas.

He also stressed the government’s commitment to working with local authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens’ groups to ensure a safe environment for all.

Residents have been urged to remain alert, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security operatives as the government intensifies efforts to curb the return of Achaba operations.

Plateau state shuts all primary, junior secondary schools over security concerns

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all primary and junior secondary schools across the state as a precautionary security measure.

The directive was issued on Friday by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). In a statement released in Jos, the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Richard Jonah, confirmed the directive.

Jonah addressed parents and guardians, assuring them that the shutdown is a temporary step.

He emphasized that the decision was imperative to avert potential security threats to students and school infrastructure.

While the statement did not specify the nature of the security threats or a potential reopening date, the move underscores the government’s priority to ensure the safety of schoolchildren amid ongoing security challenges in the region.

SGF Akume says Trump’s remarks sparked fresh attacks by violent groups

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has said that recent statements made by former United States President Donald Trump have revived the confidence of violent groups that are seeking to exploit global narratives for renewed attacks.

Akume issued the warning in a statement released on Wednesday. He addressed the evolving pattern of violent extremism, banditry and the broader security issues confronting Nigeria.

Trump had declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern’’ on October 31 over allegations of a Christian genocide.

He cautioned that American forces could be deployed to Nigeria if the alleged killings of Christians continued.

He also said he had directed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for “possible action” should the situation deteriorate.

Trump further threatened to suspend all American assistance to Nigeria if President Bola Tinubu’s government failed to stop the purported persecution.

Akume said insurgent networks had been weakened before those remarks were made. He noted that some groups are now attempting to use the international attention as an advantage.

His statement read in part, “Recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets.

“Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry. This resurgence underscores the vital need for collaboration—not public labeling—between Nigeria and the United States.”

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s stance that Nigeria does not need foreign troops. According to him, the Nigerian Armed Forces have reclaimed territories and dismantled Boko Haram and ISWAP command structures.

He stressed that the country requires specific support in the areas of intelligence, technology and equipment rather than foreign boots on the ground.

He said, “The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. They have reclaimed vast territories, degraded Boko Haram/ISWAP leadership structures, and conducted successful multi-theatre operations.

“Nigeria does not require foreign troops. What is needed is targeted support from partners, especially the United States, in the areas of intelligence cooperation, technology and military equipment support for advanced engagement against the insurgents.”

Akume also rejected claims that the conflict in Nigeria amounts to a “Christian genocide”. He said available evidence shows that insurgents and criminal elements attack both churches and mosques and that victims include Muslims and Christians.

He added that Nigeria remains a secular nation and that government appointments represent the country’s religious and ethnic diversity.

He stated, “Nigeria rejects any characterisation of the conflict as a genocide against Christians or any group. Verified evidence shows that insurgents and criminal networks attack both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians alike. The Government remains committed to protecting all citizens and strengthening cooperation with international partners—especially the United States—to dismantle extremist and criminal networks.

“Nigeria is a secular state as guaranteed by various provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. No state religion is adopted as a national religion and no citizen of Nigeria is above the Nigerian constitution.

“The appointment made by the present administration reflects the diversities of our nation and both Christians and Muslims and members of the Federal Executive Council holding key positions in equal proportion, including the Nigerian security council, the body that deals with all security challenges in Nigeria.”

Governor Yusuf inaugurates reconstituted Kano council of emirs

By Uzair Adam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has inaugurated the reconstituted Kano Council of Emirs, led by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, alongside the Emirs of Gaya, Karaye, and Rano as council members.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in Kano on Monday.

The inauguration follows the signing of the Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024 into law by Governor Yusuf.

The law abolished the five emirate councils established by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, effectively restoring a unified structure under the Kano Emirate.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf said the reconstituted Council was aimed at enabling the traditional institution to function more effectively in promoting peace, stability, and development across the state.

“The traditional institution is a pillar of history, a guardian of people’s values, a custodian of heritage, and an engine of social stability.

“It remains an indispensable partner in governance. The inauguration of the Council of Emirs today reaffirms our administration’s commitment to preserving Kano’s cultural legacy, strengthening good governance, and deepening the partnership between the Government and the Emirates,” Governor Yusuf said.

He added, “This Council is envisioned to serve as a central forum where our Royal Fathers can meet, deliberate, and offer far-reaching counsel on matters affecting the well-being of our people.

”Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo expressed optimism that the Council, once operational, would play a crucial role in the overall development of Kano State.

Earlier, Professor Tijjani Muhammad Naniya, Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, gave a detailed presentation on the history of the Kano Emirate and its relations with the Rano, Gaya, and Karaye Emirates.

Prof. Naniya highlighted that Governor Yusuf had restored a historical legacy spanning over 700 years, in which the Kano Emirs operated in unity, with the Emir of Kano as head.

Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, speaking on behalf of the other member Emirs, described the revival and inauguration of the Council as timely and consistent with historical tradition.

He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his unprecedented achievements in the state and assured the Emirates’ commitment to contributing their best toward Kano’s progress.

Breaking barriers: Why Arewa must invest in girls’ education

By Ibrahim Aisha 

Across much of Northern Nigeria, girls still face an invisible wall after secondary school. Parents’ fears, tight household budgets, and the pull of early marriage keep many daughters at home. Yet, data and role models reveal what is lost when the ambition of a female child is clipped.

For generations, education has been regarded as the key to progress and empowerment. Still, in conservative societies, the education of girls beyond the basics is often seen as unnecessary or even a threat to tradition despite government campaigns, NGO interventions, and success stories of women who have broken barriers.

The world has become a global village. Technology, digital communication, and international mobility have reshaped how we live and work. In this new reality, uneducated girls are left voiceless, powerless, and excluded from the spaces where contemporary women now thrive sitting in parliaments, leading global institutions, directing multinational companies, and innovating in science and technology.

Why, in 2025, do some communities still resist girls’ education?

The answer often lies in illiteracy. Parents who never had the privilege of education sometimes fail to see its value. Many fear what they do not understand. To them, sending a daughter to university feels like losing her to an unknown world.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics as at 2017 defined literacy as the percentage of people aged 15 and above who can read, write, and understand simple expressions in any language. A Punch Editorial Board report from September 2023 highlighted Nigeria’s poor education outlook: although the government claimed a national literacy rate of 69%, this figure hides wide regional disparities. 

According to a UNICEF report on the state of Nigeria’s children, 10.2 million primary school-aged children and 8.1 million secondary school-aged children are out of school in the country.Reports indicate that between 2020 and 2025, Northern Nigeria consistently recorded between five and seven million out-of-school girls, with only minor fluctuations despite ongoing efforts.

Socio-Cultural Impediments 

Household-level constraints on access to education are not entirely economic. Studies and surveys identify several socio-cultural factors: erosion of extended family solidarity, weakening societal values, and gender-related issues such as teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and perceptions about the “proper role” of women.

Northern Nigeria is still shaped by cultural practices harmful to women’s emancipation, including early and forced marriage, wife-inheritance, widowhood practices, lack of access to education, low enrollment rates, poor funding, inadequate facilities for persons with disabilities, and frequent disruptions caused by conflict and seasonal migration.

Stories from the Ground

The experiences of girls and women across the North reveal both the struggles and the possibilities of education.

Rahama Dajuma, a graduate, said that education had done everything for her. She now works with an NGO and is about to get married. She relieved her father from the stress of buying furniture for her wedding, and her fiancé is allowing her to keep her job.

Zainab Abubakar, a student, mother and a resident of Sabuwar Gwammaja, argued that girls should be asked their opinions because “you can force a horse to the riverbank but you cannot force it to drink.” She added that many parents above 60 in her community do not want their sons to marry women educated beyond secondary school, fearing such women will not be submissive.

Zakiyyah Al-Hassan, a resident of Chiranchi, shared that she is not educated but wants her child to go beyond secondary school. According to her, the world is changing and women should not be stuck in the kitchen, as educated women contribute to the home even before bringing in their salaries.

Fatima Abubakar, a student of the School of Hygiene, explained that she is the only one schooling out of nine children. Her father could not afford fees for all, so her siblings sacrificed for her.

Iya Aminatu, a resident of Kurna Kwachiri, revealed that none of her seven daughters went beyond junior secondary school because her husband is completely against it, and she could not object to his decision.

Malam Rafa’i, a local Islamic teacher and resident of Tsakuwa, said during a telephone interview that it is a waste of time and resources to send a girl to school when she should stay home and learn how to cook so as to be a perfect wife to her husband.

Fatima Haruna, a secondary school graduate, recalled that her elder sister Khadijah finished with flying colours and was promised that she could continue schooling. After marriage, her husband refused, saying he had no intention of letting her further her education. He had only used that promise to lure her into marriage. Since then, their father insists that no daughter can further her education unless her husband agrees.

The Road Ahead

These stories show that the real question has shifted from “Should girls be educated?” to “How fast can Northern Nigeria catch up?” Education experts and stakeholders warn that if the situation does not improve, Northern Nigeria risks falling further behind, with dire consequences for national development. The region needs more investment in infrastructure, security, and teacher training. Cultural reorientation campaigns must also be intensified to promote the value of education, especially for girls.

The answer lies in stronger government commitment, sustained community awareness, and the courage to challenge harmful traditions. Education is no longer a privilege. It is a necessity for survival in the global age. 

Senator Ndume blasts Nigerian government over U.S. religious persecution listing

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate of negligence, which he claims led to the United States placing Nigeria on its list of “Countries of Particular Concern” for alleged religious persecution.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, Senator Ndume stated that both the executive and legislative arms failed to act with urgency in addressing the U.S. government’s accusations, ultimately resulting in the designation.

The senator recalled that he had previously sponsored a motion in the Senate calling for an investigation into what he termed the “baseless allegations of Christian genocide,” which later led to a resolution advising the federal government to engage the U.S. government with factual data.

The designation was announced on Friday by former U.S. President Donald Trump via his Truth Social platform, a move subsequently published on the White House’s X account.

The Nigerian government has swiftly denied the allegations, asserting that Trump’s claims do not reflect the reality within the country.

However, Senator Ndume blamed the Tinubu administration and the Senate for failing to take appropriate action since U.S. Representative Riley Moore first raised the issue, before Trump reiterated it.

He advised the government to take immediate steps to confront the U.S. administration with credible evidence that terrorists are killing people without religious discrimination.

“I have told the government before, I even sponsored a motion. Nigeria is a free country; this is not something America should do for us, but a misunderstanding and its political implications are what led to us being placed on this list,” Ndume said.

“We should confront the U.S. government with the true data and statistics. We must get them to listen to the views of the Nigerian government and the Muslim community. Muslims are also being killed. This is not a genocide of Christians; this is a killing of Nigerians in general.”

OPINION: Singing for an unsung hero, by Murtala Sani

By Murtala Sani

Muhammadu Gwarzo was one of the first five people that pioneered Hausa novel. He was selected alongside Abubakar Imam, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, John Tafida and Bello Kagara by Rupert East, a colonial master who contributed a lot in the promotion of Hausa Language and Literature. The five pupils were tasked to write Hausa novels which were published by Literature Bureau. The Bureau was renamed Northern Nigerian Publishing Company(NNPC), Zaria.

Therefore, a competition was organized which led to the emergence of “Ruwan Bagaja” by Abubakar Imam, “Shehu Umar” by Abubakar Tafawa Balewa,”Jiki Magayi” by Rupert East and John Tafida, “Gandoki” by Bello Kagara and “Idon Matambayi” by Muhammadu Gwarzo.

Mallam Muhammadu Gwarzo,OBE, was born in 1911 at Gwarzo, which is now a Local Government in Kano State. He attended Kano Provincial School from 1923 to 1928. He proceeded to Katsina Higher College from 1928 to 1932.

He worked as Water Works Superintendent at Kano N.A. Electricity and Water Supply Undertaking from 1932 to 1936. He served as a Clerical Officer, Kano N.A. Works Department from 1936 to 1939. Mallam Muhammadu Gwarzo became a Teacher at Kano Middle School from 1939 to 1944.

During his stay in the school, he held the position of Assistant Headmaster from 1944 to 1948 and then the school’s Headmaster from 1948 to 1952. He was a Staff Officer, Kano N.A. Staff Office from 1952 to 1954. At Kano Provincial Office, Muhammadu Gwarzo was a Provincial Adult Education Officer from 1954 to 1955 and then a Staff Officer from 1956 to 1963.

He also served as a Chief Scribe, Kano N.A. Central Administration from 1963 to 1969. He was a Councillor for Establishment and Training, Kano N.A. Establishment and Service Matters Department from 1969 to 1975.

Later,Mhammadu Gwarzo became a Permanent Commissioner, Kano State Local Government Service Commission from 1975 to 1980.

Muhammadu Gwarzo performed some honorary assignments; Military Training for Civil Defence during World War II,1940. He was a Member, Peace Committee for Kano Riots,1953. He was a Member, Federal House of Representatives ofr Karaye,from 1959 to 1966. He was a Chairman, Kano State Scholarship Board, from 1970 to 1975,He was a Member Nigerian Citizenship and Naturalisation Committee in1973. He was a Member Governing Council,Universitywe of Benin, from 1975 to 1980.

He was a Member, Governing Council, University of Ibadan,from 1984 to 1988. He visited Great Britain in 1952 and Saudia Arabia for Hajj Pilgrimage in 1961. In the 1980s, he performed Umrah several times. Reading and hockey were his hobbies. While serving as Water Works Superintendent, he persuaded public to embrace the use of pipe-borne water and abandon the use of wells and other open sources of water in order to prevent them from diseases.

At that moment,hospitals were dreaded because of ignorance and lack of sufficient enlightenment. During his stay at Kano Middle School, he indoctrined and instilled displine and sound morals to school boys in order to become responsible and productive adults to the society. This was reflected in the lives of some of his pupils from 1939 to 1952. Few of the pupils were; Late Alhaji Ado Bayero, Sarkin Kano, Late Tijjani Hashim, Galadiman Kano, Late Alhaji Abbas Sunusi, Wamban Kano and later Galadiman Kano,Late Mahe Bashir Wali, Walin Kano,Alhaji Muhammad Koguna, Durbin Kano, Alhaji Sama’ila Gwarzo,former Minister of Police Affairs and National Security Advisor, Late Haliru Gwarzo, former journalist and BBC reporter.

He contributed to the restoration of peace, tranquility and concord between different ethnic groups during the 1953 Kano Riots. Muhammadu Gwarzo’s “Idon Matambayi” revolves around the lives of four thieves whose lives entirely defend on armed robbery and stealing. They deployed different tricks outsmarting innocent people. Although they had a teamwork,there was no trust among them. They were always on constant fear of being cought despite their mastery in the evil act. The central moral of the story is that all the thieves met their waterloo. While the three thieves were arrested, the central character, Idon Matambayi, lost all his ill gotten fortunes despite the fact that he repented from stealing.

Muhammadu Gwarzo died in 1992. He had two wives, initially. He left five children;Sa’idu Gwarzo,former Federal Permanent Secretary,first Secretary Kano State Civil Service,first Director Kano State College of Art,Science and Remedial Studies(CAS),former Chairman Kano Civil Service Commission.

Basiru Muhammad Gwarzo, former Local Government Secretary within various Local Governments in the old Kano State before Jigawa State was carved out,he was also a school mate of late General Muhammadu Buhari and late General Shehu Musa Yar’adua at Katsina Provincial School. Hannafi Muhammadu Gwarzo, former Deputy Director, Kano State Ministry of Works. Hauwa Muhammadu Gwarzo,a housewife. Dalhatu Muhammadu Gwarzo, former General Manager NNDC Kaduna,former Kano State Commissioner for Special Duties, former Kano State Commissioner Ministry of Commerce, former Executive Director Express Petroleum and Gas Company Limited. Dalhatu Gwarzo is the only living son of late Muhammadu Gwarzo.