Kano

Two women drown in Gezawa pond after work—Kano fire service

By Uzair Adam

Two women have died after reportedly drowning in a pond in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

The Kano State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi.

Abdullahi explained that the service received a distress call around 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday from a local vigilance group, reporting that two women had drowned.

According to the statement, relatives of the deceased told the vigilance group that the victims were workers at a hibiscus (Zobo) processing company and had gone to the pond after closing from work.

“Our rescue team was immediately dispatched to the scene, and we successfully recovered the corpses from the pond,” the statement said.

The remains of the victims were later handed over to Musa Garba, a police constable at the Gezawa Police Division.

The Fire Service urged residents to avoid open water bodies to prevent similar tragedies.

Make-up artist jailed for spraying naira notes at wedding

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced makeup artist Abdullahi Musa Huseini (a.k.a Amuscap) to six months in prison for abusing the Naira.

Justice S.M Shuaibu convicted Huseini after he pleaded guilty to spraying and mutilating N100,000 at his wedding celebration. The offence violates Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.

Prosecution counsel Zarami Mohammed presented evidence showing Huseini defaced the currency at Ali Jita Event Centre despite warnings against the practice.

The judge ruled against an option of fine, ordering immediate imprisonment.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Huseini following intelligence reports on his actions.

Kano/Jigawa customs holds stakeholders forum on free trade zone activities

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has hosted a sensitisation forum aimed at improving trade practices and ensuring better compliance at the Kano Free Trade Zone (KFTZ).

The one-day programme, which took place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, brought together key stakeholders operating within the zone.

This was disclosed in a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe.

While addressing participants, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, stated the benefits of cooperation and adherence to trade guidelines.

He encouraged those in attendance to share their concerns, expressing hope that the forum would lead to improved collaboration and a reduction in operational obstacles.

During the event, Superintendent of Customs Muideen Alabi presented a paper titled “Roles of Nigeria Customs Service in Free Trade Zones.”

He discussed provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, outlined standard operating procedures, and explained the processes for exporting goods from free trade zones to customs territories.

He also drew attention to frequent documentation errors that tend to slow down trade activities.

Deputy Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), Richard Bassey, addressed lingering misconceptions surrounding the regulatory responsibilities of NEPZA.

“There’s been confusion about who does what in the zone. Today, we’ve cleared the air,” he said.

The event ended with an interactive session where stakeholders exchanged views directly with customs officials.

In his closing remarks, Comptroller Abubakar called for continuous dialogue and reassured participants of the Command’s commitment to supporting smooth trade operations.

Parade Uromi killers, Kano gov tells Edo counterpart

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has urged Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to publicly parade the perpetrators behind the killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State.

Yusuf made the demand when Okpebholo led a delegation to Kano to condole with the families of the victims, most of whom were from Kano.

He described the attack as brutal, noting that many were “maimed, burnt, and murdered in cold blood.”

While commending Edo’s swift response and the arrest of 14 suspects, Yusuf insisted that justice must be seen to be done.

“We appeal that the perpetrators be paraded publicly so the world sees those behind this heinous crime,” he said.

Okpebholo assured that the suspects were being transferred to Abuja for further investigation, adding that President Bola Tinubu had ordered a thorough probe.

He emphasized that the attack did not represent Edo’s values and pledged to uphold harmony between communities.

Both governors condemned reprisal actions, calling for unity and stronger security measures to prevent future violence.

NBA Ungogo decries killing of 16 northern travelers, demands justice

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ungogo Branch, has strongly condemned the killing of 16 northern travelers in Edo State, describing the act as a gross violation of human rights.  

In a statement issued on Monday, the chairman of the branch, Ahmad A. Gwadabe, expressed deep concern over the tragic incident, calling it “gruesome and unacceptable.”  

“We are appalled and deeply disturbed by the murder of innocent travelers who were simply passing through the state. This act goes against the principles of humanity and decency,” Gwadabe stated.  

He called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to swiftly investigate the matter and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. 

“We demand immediate and decisive action to hold those responsible accountable,” he added.  

The association also urged the government to provide compensation to the families of the victims and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.  

“As lawyers, we are committed to upholding the rule of law and promoting justice for all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or place of origin,” Gwadabe emphasized.  

The statement concluded with a call for calm, urging the affected families to remain law-abiding while seeking justice.

Police falsify reports of Kano killings

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Police Command has dismissed a false social media reports claiming an attack on an 18-seater passenger bus in Kano.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano on Saturday.

Kiyawa said this report was entirely false and misleading.

“The police command reaffirms its commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and promoting harmony among diverse communities.

“An investigation is currently underway to uncover the source of this fake news, and those responsible will face consequences for their actions.

“The command urges the public to disregard this fake news and refrain from spreading unverified information that can cause harm, panic and unrest in society,” he stated.

FRSC deploys 1,889 personnel for sallah special patrol in Kano

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kano Sector Command has deployed 1,889 personnel for a special Eid-el-Fitr patrol operation aimed at ensuring smooth vehicular movement and safety on highways.

The Sector Commander, Ibrahim Abdullahi Matazu, stated that the operation, scheduled to run from March 27 to April 2, includes 1,348 regular marshals and 541 special marshals.

The Daily Reality reports that their duties will include traffic control, enforcement of road safety regulations, and providing immediate assistance to accident victims.

Matazu urged motorists to adhere to traffic rules, warning against reckless driving, underage driving, and car racing during the festive period.

“The FRSC Kano Sector Command wishes the good people of the state a peaceful and hitch-free Sallah celebration,” he said.

Reno Omokri condemns killing of 16 Northerners in Edo, calls for justice

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Prominent political analyst and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has condemned the brutal killing of 16 northerners who were reportedly burnt alive in Edo State while traveling for Sallah.

In a statement issued on March 28, 2025, Omokri described the attack as an act of “jungle justice” and called on the Edo State Government to take immediate action in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.”

This incident has saddened my day and blighted the outlook for a happy Sallah. Under no circumstances was what happened defensible or permissible,” he said.

Omokri stressed that the swift prosecution of the perpetrators would send a strong message that all Nigerian lives matter, regardless of region or ethnicity.

He urged northerners to remain calm while the Edo State Government takes necessary steps, expressing confidence that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would intervene if necessary.

“I urge Mutanen Arewa to please exercise restraint as we give room and time for the Edo State Government to do the needful,” he appealed.

He also challenged public figures who are vocal about attacks in northern Nigeria but remain silent when similar incidents occur elsewhere to speak up and demand justice.

“My condolences to the families of those affected by this injustice. And I especially commiserate with the government and people of whatever states they originated from,” Omokri stated.

The gruesome killings have sparked national outrage, with many calling for urgent measures to address rising tensions and ensure the safety of all citizens.

The Edo State Government is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.