Kano

By Ahmad Zubair Chedi, PhD

It is with deep sorrow yet immense gratitude that I pay tribute to my late lecturer, mentor, and Academic guide, Prof. Kabiru Isah Dandago, whose remarkable contributions have greatly shaped my academic and professional journey.

I had the rare privilege of being taught by Prof. Dandago at both my undergraduate and postgraduate levels, where he imparted to me invaluable knowledge and Academic discipline.

During my studies, he taught me several key courses that formed the foundation of my understanding of the accounting profession, including Cost Accounting, Management Accounting, Advanced Financial Accounting, Auditing and Investigation, Public Finance, Accounting Theory, and Seminar in Accounting. Through these courses, he not only delivered knowledge but also instilled analytical thinking, research curiosity, and professional integrity.

Prof. Dandago’s mentorship went far beyond the classroom. He played a pivotal role in my Academic development at critical stages of my postgraduate journey. Prof. Kabiru Isah Dandago was instrumental in facilitating my admission to both the MSc and PhD programmes, opening doors that enabled me to advance in my academic pursuits. His support and mentorship were key pillars in my Academic progress.

He served as the Panel Chairman during my MSc Accounting Internal Defence, where his constructive insights and scholarly guidance strengthened my research work. Furthermore, he was my PhD. Internal Supervisor, guiding me with patience, wisdom, and encouragement throughout the demanding process of Doctoral research.

One of the most defining moments of my Academic career came when he encouraged me to write my first journal article. His belief in my potential motivated me to take the bold step into Academic publishing. Not only did he inspire me to write, but he also supported and guided me in presenting my research paper at an International Conference, an experience that significantly broadened my Academic exposure and confidence.

Prof. Dandago was more than a lecturer; he was a mentor who nurtured scholars, a teacher who inspired excellence, and a leader who dedicated his life to advancing knowledge and the success of his students. His influence on my Academic journey is profound and will remain with me forever.

Though he has departed from this world, the knowledge he shared, the guidance he gave, and the inspiration he instilled will continue to live on in the lives of those he mentored. His legacy is written not only in books and research but also in the many scholars he helped shape.

May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, reward his lifelong dedication to knowledge and mentorship, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. Ameen.

Rest in peace, Prof. Kabiru Isah Dandago. Your impact will never be forgotten.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member high-level committee to supervise the disbursement of N8 billion in financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the Singer Market fire disaster.

The Daily Reality reports that the inferno, which razed sections of the market on two separate occasions, caused massive economic losses, with traders losing goods and business capital estimated at billions of naira.

Inaugurating the committee on Tuesday in Kano, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruq, said the panel was constituted to ensure transparent and equitable distribution of the intervention funds.

Faruq, who was represented by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude, SAN, noted that members were drawn from critical sectors to guarantee credibility and accountability in carrying out the assignment.

According to him, the committee, chaired by the SSG, is tasked with promoting fairness, transparency and accountability in ensuring that only genuine victims benefit from the support.

The committee comprises commissioners, representatives of the State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders and representatives of the affected traders.

Faruq said the panel would assess the extent of the damage, evaluate material and capital losses suffered by traders and develop a workable framework for the disbursement of the funds.

He added that the committee would also review existing safety gaps within the market and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence of such fire incidents.

Part of its terms of reference, he explained, includes ensuring timely distribution of the assistance and sustained engagement with stakeholders and the media to build public confidence in the process.

The Chairman of the Kano Traders Association, Alhaji Sabi’u Bako, commended the governor for what he described as a prompt and structured response to the tragedy.

He also appreciated the Federal Government for sending a delegation to sympathise with the victims, assuring that the committee would discharge its duties with fairness and sincerity.

Bako said although the actual number of affected traders and the total value of losses were yet to be determined, only verified victims would benefit from the intervention.

The disaster drew the attention of President Bola Tinubu, who approved N5 billion as palliative support for the traders. Similarly, the Progressives Governors Forum contributed N3 billion to aid recovery efforts.

Earlier, victims of the Singer Market fire received N200 million in cash support from Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf and the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, to cushion the impact of the disaster.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Kano indigene and university lecturer based in Cologne, Germany, Muhsin Ibrahim, has raised concerns over alleged job offer racketeering in Kano State, claiming the practice remains widespread despite a change in administration.

In a series of Facebook posts, Ibrahim alleged that the sale of job placements in government ministries and institutions became common toward the end of the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and has continued under the current government led by Abba Kabir Yusuf.

He stated, “Job offer racketeering was prevalent in Kano towards the end of Governor Ganduje’s administration, in late 2022 and early 2023. I wrote extensively about it here. I thought Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, with his purported principles, would stop it. I was wrong.”

The lecturer explained that recent discussions with contacts in Kano revealed that the alleged practice is not only ongoing but expanding. He described a situation where employment opportunities are treated like commodities and sold openly.

“For two days, I happened to speak with family and friends about this illicit business in Kano. It is not only happening but also booming and carried out in broad daylight. Like merchandise, job offers at different ministries and institutions are priced and sold in the market,” he said.

Ibrahim also claimed that some individuals have fallen victim to fraud while attempting to secure such opportunities, describing the situation as “double jeopardy.”

“To make matters worse, several people have been scammed. I call this double jeopardy. You are duped while engaging in immoral, unethical practices. You have no one and nowhere to report your case to,” he added.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by job seekers, especially those who have spent years pursuing education without securing employment. However, he blamed those involved in selling job offers and criticised authorities for failing to curb the trend.

“I can understand why some people feel pushed into buy job offers. It is depressing to be without a job after investing so much money, time and energy in obtaining qualifications. So, I largely blame the sellers but also the government for doing almost nothing to stop this,” he stated.

The lecturer urged those involved to desist from the practice and called for adherence to due process in recruitment.

“Please stop selling job offers. Follow proper hiring procedures and standard practices. Do not abet corruption in Nigeria or anywhere else. Change begins with you and me.”

In a follow-up post, Ibrahim disclosed that a government official in Kano forwarded his earlier message to Governor Yusuf, who has reportedly pledged to respond to the issue.

“A Kano government official forwarded my previous post about job offer racketeering in the state to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The Governor has promised to take appropriate action. May Allah (SWT) grant him the wisdom and the will to do so, amin.”

In the ever-shifting landscape of Nigerian politics, few moves have sparked as much outrage and disillusionment as Abba’s recent defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision, announced amid fanfare at the Sani Abacha Stadium in February 2026, is not merely a political realignment but a stark revelation of ideological convergence—one centered on the plunder of public resources. Abba’s embrace of the APC, under the guise of seeking federal support for Kano’s development, mirrors the very looting ethos that defined Abdullahi Ganduje’s tenure as governor. It is no coincidence; the two share a disturbing similarity in their approach to corruption and the mismanagement of Kano’s treasury, turning the state’s wealth into personal fiefdoms while ordinary citizens suffer.

Ganduje’s legacy in Kano is synonymous with brazen corruption, epitomized by the infamous “Gandollar” scandal. In 2018, video footage surfaced showing Ganduje allegedly stuffing bundles of U.S. dollars—amounting to about $5 million—into his pockets, bribes extracted from contractors for state projects. This was no isolated incident; contractors revealed that Ganduje routinely demanded 15 to 25 percent kickbacks on every contract awarded during his administration from 2015 to 2023. The scandal led to investigations by the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), which uncovered evidence of theft, abuse of office, and familial involvement in graft. Yet, even as charges piled up, including a $413,000 bribery case, Ganduje evaded full accountability, with court rulings limiting state probes and documents mysteriously vanishing during protests in 2024.

More damning is Ganduje’s role in the multi-billion naira Dala Inland Dry Port scandal. As governor, he awarded a N4 billion infrastructure contract for the port, which was meant to include a 20 percent equity stake for Kano State. Instead, he secretly transferred this stake to private entities, making his own children co-owners and denying the state its rightful share. This act of self-enrichment not only siphoned public funds but also exemplified a pattern of mismanaging state assets for personal gain. A key witness in the case was arrested at the airport in a suspicious twist, further fueling suspicions of cover-ups. Ganduje’s administration left Kano’s treasury depleted, with allegations of embezzlement running into billions, all while infrastructure crumbled and public services faltered.

It was precisely this rampant corruption and mismanagement of the public treasury that led to the overthrow of Ganduje and his allies in the 2023 elections. The people of Kano, long burdened by empty promises and drained coffers, had awakened to the realities of governance. They followed every misstep— from the kickback schemes to the vanishing funds—and channeled their frustration into the ballot boxes. The Kwankwasiya movement, with its red cap revolution, swept in on a wave of accountability, electing leaders who pledged to restore integrity. This seismic shift proved that when citizens are vigilant, no looting ideology can withstand the power of an informed electorate.

Now, turn to Abba, whose defection to the APC in January 2026—alongside 22 state assembly members and nine federal lawmakers—has exposed a parallel track record of corruption. Despite campaigning on a platform of zero tolerance for graft, Abba’s administration has been mired in scandals that echo Ganduje’s playbook. In August 2025, a N6.5 billion fraud scheme came to light, involving Abba’s Director-General of Protocol, Abdullahi Rogo, who allegedly diverted state funds through front companies, bureau de change operators, and personal accounts. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched probes, revealing how these funds were siphoned from the treasury under the noses of top officials.

The scandal widened when Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, then Accountant General and now Commissioner for Community and Rural Development, admitted to authorizing a N1.17 billion payment that formed the basis of the larger fraud. Investigators described it as a sophisticated money laundering operation, diverting resources meant for Kano’s development into private pockets. Civil society organizations, numbering about 20, demanded accountability, accusing Abba’s government of hypocrisy after it had vowed to prosecute Ganduje-era crimes. Even former Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, lambasted the administration for corruption “tenfold” that of Ganduje’s, citing evidence of mismanagement that could collapse the government before 2027.

These parallels are undeniable: Both leaders have been accused of using state contracts and equity deals to enrich allies and family, with billions vanishing through opaque channels. Ganduje’s dollar-stuffed pockets find a modern echo in Abba’s alleged BDC diversions, both representing a looting ideology that prioritizes personal gain over public welfare. Abba’s defection, justified as a bid for “federal backing and development,” is nothing more than a safe harbor in a party that has shielded Ganduje from full prosecution. It’s a union that undermines the anti-corruption promises Abba once made, aligning him with the very forces that bled Kano dry.

But history teaches us that the people of Kano will not stand idle. Just as they rose in 2023 to dismantle Ganduje’s corrupt empire, they are even more awakened today. Citizens are closely monitoring every government action, from budget allocations to contract awards, and they will not hesitate to enforce change through the ballot boxes come 2027. This defection is a desperate grasp at power, but it will only fuel the resolve of those who demand transparency.

Kano deserves better than this cycle of betrayal. The Kwankwasiya movement, with its unwavering commitment to transparency, education, and equitable development, stands as the true alternative. Founded on principles of integrity under Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, it has consistently exposed and fought such graft, from Ganduje’s era to now. As Abba cozies up to the APC, let this be a wake-up call for Kano’s people to rally behind a movement that puts the treasury in service of the masses, not the elite. The fight against looting ideologies must continue—stronger, unyielding, and rooted in the red cap revolution that truly represents hope for our state.

Dr Umar Musa Kallah is a writer and community advocate and can be reached via kallahsrm@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State has criticised the arrest of one of its members, Aiha K. Nass, by security operatives in the state.

The party made its position known through its State Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Karaye, who spoke at the party’s headquarters. He described the arrest as unacceptable and warned against actions that could undermine democratic principles.

In a statement, the party urged security agencies to remain neutral and avoid actions that may suggest bias in a democratic system.

Karaye called for the immediate release of the detained member. He stressed that every citizen is entitled to freedom of speech and association under the law.

He also appealed to the Kano State Government to uphold democratic values. According to him, democracy forms the basis of the government’s legitimacy.

The party further advised its supporters to remain peaceful as efforts continue to address the issue.

“Finally, the party calls on all to remain calm, law-abiding, and adhere to the rules of the game,” the statement added.

By Uzair Adam

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have thwarted attempts by suspected traffickers to smuggle consignments of cocaine and opioids concealed in a fake pregnancy and inside the body through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and the Seme land border in Lagos en route to Europe and other destinations.

A 35-year-old Kano-based businesswoman, Rabi Muhammad, was intercepted on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Seme border while attempting to cross into Cotonou, Benin Republic.

NDLEA officers grew suspicious of her protruding stomach during checks at the departure point.

A thorough search later revealed that the pregnancy was staged. Officers discovered she had strapped a pink-coloured calabash to her stomach to simulate a baby bump and conceal 3,200 capsules of tramadol, which she allegedly intended to sell in Cotonou.

On the same day in Kano, NDLEA operatives at the screening point of the departure hall of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport intercepted a 41-year-old Ivorian national, Michael Gohouri, also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael.

He was apprehended during the outward clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 bound for Milan via Addis Ababa.

A body scan confirmed he had ingested illicit substances. In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspect was placed under observation, during which he expelled 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms.

Investigations revealed that Gohouri had arrived in Lagos from Milan on January 17, 2026, and had travelled between Lagos and Enugu for three weeks before heading to Kano, where he reportedly ingested the cocaine in a hotel room.

He was allegedly promised 5,000 Euros upon successful delivery of the drugs in Milan.

The suspect, who claimed to have both Ivorian and Nigerian parentage, reportedly applied for asylum in Italy in 2013 and obtained a resident permit valid until May 25, 2026.

He was also found to possess a Nigerian National Identification Number bearing the name Anunwa Onyinye Michael.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives arrested the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trans Fortress Global Resources, Kolapo Oladapo Raji, who had been on the agency’s watchlist since 2025 following intelligence reports.

The 57-year-old suspect was apprehended at his residence in Safe Court Apartment, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, shortly after returning from the United Kingdom.

A search of his home reportedly led to the recovery of four large bags containing parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 89.20 kilograms. A 2024 Toyota Hilux was also recovered at the point of arrest.

According to the agency, Raji admitted financing drug consignments for an overseas associate and said substantial profits encouraged him to establish an independent drug distribution network.

In other operations across the country, NDLEA operatives arrested suspects in Lagos, Rivers, Kogi, Ondo, Bauchi, Delta and Edo states, seizing large quantities of skunk and codeine-based syrup.

At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State, a joint examination by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies uncovered 170,900 bottles of codeine-based syrup concealed in a container following processed intelligence.

Along the Okene/Lokoja highway in Kogi State, operatives recovered 7,300 pills of tramadol hidden inside two sound systems during a routine patrol.

A follow-up operation in Abuja led to the arrest of two suspects linked to the consignment.

Further raids in Ondo forests led to the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of skunk and the arrest of multiple suspects, while in Bauchi and Edo states, large quantities of cannabis were confiscated and illicit farms destroyed.

The NDLEA said the operations underscore its intensified efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has praised the conduct of the recent by-elections held in parts of the state, describing the exercise as peaceful and orderly.

In a statement released on Saturday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for ensuring a smooth electoral process.

He noted that the calm atmosphere across polling units reflects an improvement in the political behaviour of voters. He also said the outcome shows that security arrangements put in place were effective.

Governor Yusuf thanked residents of Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Assembly constituencies for their peaceful participation. He said their cooperation contributed to the success of the elections.

He also commended political parties and other stakeholders, with special mention of the All Progressives Congress, for following laid-down rules and avoiding actions that could disrupt the process.

“For the first time in recent history, we witnessed an election free of crisis, use of weapons and any form of manipulation in Kano. This development aligns with our Kano First Agenda. The era of killing, maiming and disenfranchising voters is over,” the governor said.

The governor added that the conduct of the elections shows that the state is moving towards issue-based politics built on dialogue, tolerance and respect for democratic principles.

He assured residents that his administration will continue to protect lives and property without discrimination. He also promised sustained collaboration with electoral bodies and security agencies to ensure future elections remain credible, transparent and peaceful.

By Uzair Adam

Barely one year after a devastating blaze ravaged parts of Fatima Simra Multipurpose Market at Dakata Industrial Layout in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State — and only weeks after a similar incident at Singa Market — another fire has swept through the commercial hub, destroying more than 100 shops and leaving traders counting losses estimated at over N1 billion.

The Daily Reality reports that the Chairman of the market, Dauda Haruna Chula, said he received a distress call at about 4:00 a.m. informing him of the outbreak.

He stated that, “I was called around 4:00 a.m. and told about the devastating fire at our market. Because I was not nearby at the time, I immediately contacted those who were close to the market and asked them to alert the relevant authorities to help contain the situation.”

Chula explained that the exact cause of the fire had yet to be determined, noting that conflicting accounts were circulating among traders and residents.

He said investigations were ongoing to verify the true source of the blaze.

“As of now, we cannot ascertain the real source of the fire. There are different versions of what might have caused it, and we are working to verify the facts,” he added.

The market is widely known for groundnut oil production and for trading in rubber materials and other consumables such as food items and bread, many of which are highly flammable.

Chula said oil producers were among the worst affected, disclosing that more than 100 makeshift shops were completely burnt to ashes.

He estimated the losses at over N1 billion, stressing that most of the victims are small-scale traders who depend on daily earnings to support their families.

“This market is the only source of livelihood for many of our members,” he said, calling on Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to urgently intervene.

He lamented that a N100 million support earlier promised after the previous fire incident had yet to be fulfilled.

“We are still waiting for the N100 million that we were promised after the last fire. Up till now, nothing has been given, and here we are again facing another tragedy,” Chula said.

While appreciating ASPIRA Nigeria Limited and both the state and federal fire services for their efforts in containing the blaze, the chairman maintained that a quicker response could have reduced the scale of destruction.

In a separate account, one of the victims, Malam Auwal Mahrazu, whose stall was completely razed, said the fire started around 3:00 a.m. during a night shift.

He explained that some workers were attempting to clear a grinding filling machine that had become clogged.

“Sometimes when we are working and the filling machine gets congested, we burn it slightly and then wash it to clear the blockage so work can continue smoothly,” he said.

According to him, the workers briefly left the area, possibly to prepare for their pre-dawn meal, only to return and find the flames spreading to nearby stalls.

“Before they came back, the fire had started catching other places. They tried to stop it, but it was beyond control,” Mahrazu recounted.

He claimed that more than 200 makeshift stalls were affected, though the intervention of firefighters prevented the fire from spreading further.

Another trader, Isa Abubakar, described the incident as a divine test, saying his entire shop was razed.

“This is nothing but a test from Allah. Only God truly knows how it started,” he said, while commending fire service personnel for battling the flames for hours.

Abubakar urged Governor Yusuf to implement lasting measures to curb recurring fire outbreaks in Kano markets.

Similarly, Abdulkadir Aliyu said he had yet to recover from the previous incident before the latest disaster struck.

He appealed to the government to fulfill its earlier financial pledge, lamenting that no assistance had been provided so far.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Yusuf, confirmed that the agency received information about the incident but noted that a comprehensive report was yet to be compiled.

The latest inferno has intensified concerns over fire safety in Kano’s major markets, where traders operate in densely packed wooden structures and deal in highly combustible materials.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta, has announced plans to formalize partnerships with selected agri-business firms to expand work-based learning and research development for students.

The Acting Provost of Audu Bako College of Agriculture Dambatta, Hassan Ibrahim, disclosed this during a tour of partner organizations, which include Extension Africa, Al‑Hamsad Rice Mill LTD, Seed Project Company LTD, Royal Blue Contractors, and Kano State Fisheries Institute, Bagauda.

The initiative is being supported by UNESCO under its programme to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training through industry-driven learning.

Speaking on the project, UNESCO consultant Newton Ovie Akpona said the collaboration forms part of the BEAR III programme, which aims to improve education quality, boost employability and promote sustainable development across several African countries.

The partnership is expected to give students practical industry exposure while promoting research, innovation and institutional capacity building.

In separate remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Seed Project Company, Zainab Gwadabe, welcomed the initiative and pledged support, while officials of Al-Hamsad Rice Mill described the move as timely. The formal signing ceremony is expected to take place soon at the college’s permanent site in Dambatta.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A Kano State High Court has revoked the bail previously granted to a man accused of a violent assault at the Danladi Nasidi Housing Estate.

Justice Aisha Yau of High Court No. 10, Bompai Road, ordered on Wednesday that Kabiru Aminu be remanded in prison custody pending the continuation of his trial. The accused is facing charges including Criminal Trespass, Armed Robbery, and Causing Hurt.

The decision followed an application by the prosecution, led by state counsel Basiru Kabiru Aliyu, who argued for the revocation based on the gravity of the offences and in the interest of justice. The accused had initially been granted bail by a magistrate’s court, a decision that had sparked public concern given the serious nature of the allegations.

The case, officially titled State v. Kabiru Aminu, stems from a violent incident at the housing estate located in the Kumbotso Local Government Area.

The Kano State Ministry of Justice confirmed the court’s ruling in a statement. The Ministry, acting under the directive of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and led by Attorney-General Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN, hailed the outcome as a major legal breakthrough.

The state government has assured the public that it will diligently prosecute the case to its conclusion, pledging to pursue justice “without fear or favour” in line with principles of fairness and transparency.