Kano

By Uzair Adam

The Chairman of the Singer Market Development Association, Alhaji Junaid Zakari, has described the latest fire outbreak at Singer Market in Kano as a severe setback for traders, revealing that goods and property valued at over N5 billion were destroyed.

In an interview with the journalists on Sunday, Zakari said more than 1,500 shops, including containers and makeshift stalls operated by small-scale traders, were completely razed.

He explained that the affected section is among the busiest parts of the market, housing high-value goods acquired through substantial capital investment.

“The affected area contains a large concentration of goods. Based on our preliminary assessment, over 1,500 shops and small containers were burnt. We estimate that properties worth more than N5 billion have been lost,” he said.

Zakari expressed deep concern over the economic consequences of the incident, noting that many traders depend entirely on daily sales to support their families.

“This is a major blow to our members. Some traders operate with borrowed capital, while others rely on cooperative contributions.

“The impact of this loss is enormous,” he added, confirming that the main fire had been extinguished while firefighters continued efforts to put out remaining pockets of flames.

When The Daily Reality visited the market around 10:12 a.m. on Sunday, smoke was still rising from parts of the affected areas, including Gidan Gilas, Gidan Gashash, Gidan Mai and the Audu Yahaya Danbatta section.

Firefighters were seen battling lingering flames and carrying out cooling operations to prevent a fresh outbreak.

Some traders sifted through debris in search of salvageable items, while others stood in clusters discussing the scale of their losses.

Alhaji Isa Abubakar, a shop owner, said he lost goods worth over N200 million.

“From God we come, and to Him we shall return. It is heartbreaking to witness goods worth billions of naira destroyed by fire,” he stated.

He also commended Yusuf for visiting the scene to show solidarity with affected traders.

Another trader, Musa Ibrahim, said he lost goods valued at over N340 million, lamenting that the fire had consumed everything in his shop.

Similarly, Halifa Abubakar, who operates a Point of Sale (POS) business in the market, said he lost all the cash in his shop, much of which belonged to other people.

He, however, noted that his loss was minor compared to traders who lost goods worth billions of naira, adding that he could not immediately determine the exact amount involved.

The fire, which broke out on Saturday evening, raged into the early hours of Sunday, causing widespread destruction and anxiety among traders.

The incident occurred just weeks after another devastating fire at the market resulted in significant losses, compounding the hardship faced by business owners.

As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire had yet to be determined, and authorities were still investigating the circumstances surrounding the outbreak.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has asked President Bola Tinubu to remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the date fixed for the 2027 presidential election.

The party made its position known on Saturday through a statement issued by its Kano State Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Karaye.

In the statement, the party said the presidential poll has been scheduled for 20 February 2027. It noted that the date falls within the Ramadan fasting period observed by Muslims.

The NNPP described the timing as unacceptable. It argued that the development could affect the turnout of Muslim voters across the country.

“This is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise the majority Muslim population in the country,” the party stated.

The party also accused the INEC Chairman of displaying what it termed religious bias in the choice of the election date.

It therefore urged the President to take immediate action by removing the electoral body’s chairman. The party said such a step would promote fairness and rebuild trust in the electoral system.

“For any election to be accepted by the Muslim majority in the country, the President must replace him with a more credible Christian who will ensure justice and fairness for all,” the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian university lecturer, Mubarak Ibrahim Lawan, has raised concerns over the scheduling of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, describing the dates as anti-Islamic and warning that they could spark religious conflict in the country.

In a Facebook post, Lawan criticized the decision to hold the gubernatorial election in the middle of Ramadan and the presidential election on the eve of Eid. He wrote:

“Let Mr. President know that the anti-Islamic election dates set by the Islamophobe, Amupitan, would surely ignite a religious war in the country. To every responsible Muslim, the sacrosanctity of Ramadan is inviolable and, inserting gubernatorial election in the middle of it and the presidential one on the eve of Eid is no different from desecrating the holiness of the month.”

Lawan argued that the timing of the elections could disenfranchise Muslim voters, who may prioritize religious observance over participating in the polls. He added:

“Similarly, this is a criminally insidious way of disenfranchising the Muslim Community as they would surely choose to stay on the holy course and neglect the worldly one, especially on the presidential election day, the eve of Eid. Therefore, we unequivocally disagree and uniformly ask for review of the undue dates.”

The lecturer also expressed concern over the apparent lack of response from northern political representatives, suggesting that the proposed schedule could advantage southern candidates. He stated:

“In the same vein, this dating is anti-northern blog. I wonder why no northern governor, senator or member of the house of representative is yet to attack the proposal. If they think that this dating has only an anti-Islamic agenda they are wrong. I believe, should the elections hold on the dates so far given, voter apathy would be remarkably seen everywhere in the North and that would be an advantage to the South. So, we do not agree!”

Lawan’s post reflects growing debate among civil society groups and political commentators about the potential impact of the election timetable on voter participation and national cohesion.

At the time of filing this report, neither the presidency nor the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had responded to the concerns raised by Lawan.

By Uzair Adam

The Department of State Services (DSS), Kano Command, has rescued a five-year-old boy, Muhammad Haruna, who was abducted in Dan Zaki Village, Minjibir Local Government Area.

The Daily Reality reports that the DSS, in a statement issued on Friday, said the minor was rescued at about 7:40 p.m. on February 12, 2026, by its Tactical Team in Dan Zaki Village.

The statement indicated that the operation followed a formal report that Haruna had been abducted by suspected kidnappers to an unknown destination, with a demand for N15 million ransom.

According to the DSS, a 20-year-old suspect, Aminu Mukhtar, was apprehended during the operation while negotiating with the victim’s father using GSM number 07084228695.

“In the course of debrief, Mukhtar affirms that he abducted the victim with a view to collecting ransom,” the statement said.

It added that the suspect and the rescued minor are currently in command custody for further action.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Kano State Hisbah Board has concluded arrangements to commence enforcement against female passengers who sit beside male tricycle drivers in Kano State, in a move it says is aimed at promoting morality in society.

In a statement issued by its Director of Public Enlightenment, Auwalu Ado Sheshe, the Board said the operation would be carried out in collaboration with associations of tricycle riders and owners across the state.

The directive specifically targets situations where women ride in close proximity to drivers who are not their maharams while using commercial tricycles, popularly known as Adaidaita Sahu. The Board described the measure as part of efforts to sanitize the transport sector and prevent actions that could attract the displeasure of Allah (SWT).

It called on all tricycle operators to comply with the new regulation to avoid sanctions, warning that enforcement would begin imminently.

Female passengers were also urged to adhere to the directive, which the Board said is intended to safeguard their dignity and that of their families.

The Hisbah Board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a morally upright society guided by Islamic teachings, stressing that it is fully prepared to enforce the measure across the state.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The ATM Gwarzo Organization has expressed appreciation to well-wishers across the Kano North Senatorial Zone for the growing goodwill and support surrounding the 2027 senatorial contest involving His Excellency, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the organization said His Excellency is deeply humbled by the confidence and encouragement shown by stakeholders, elders, youths, and various community groups across the zone, describing the gestures as a call to greater responsibility and selfless service to the people.

The statement urged supporters to remain positive, calm, and united, noting that consultations are already being planned to engage widely with stakeholders across the senatorial district and Kano State at large.

According to the organization, His Excellency has committed all his affairs to Allah (SWT) and seeks divine guidance in his continued efforts to serve the people. The group added that further updates would be communicated in due course.

The statement was signed by Mansur Umar Man’ash, Special Adviser on Digital Media, for the ATM Gwarzo Organization, and dated February 8, 2026.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has rolled out a Smart Transport Solution aimed at enhancing security and improving efficiency within the state’s transport system through the use of modern tracking technology.

The Daily Reality reports that the programme was unveiled on Saturday at the Afficient Event Centre, where top government officials, transport stakeholders and security agencies gathered for the flag-off.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Transport, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, said the initiative, although new to Kano, is a globally tested system already deployed in major cities around the world.

“This is a system which is new in Kano, but not new in the world and not new in major cities,” Dederi said, explaining that the technology enables authorities to monitor transport activities in real time using cameras and satellite-based tracking.

He noted that the system would capture the movement of commuters and vehicles entering the state from designated points, with relevant data transmitted to appropriate authorities for monitoring and response.

According to the commissioner, security agencies including the police, the Ministry of Transportation and the Cabinet Office will have access to dedicated dashboards to track activities across the transport network.

“Everybody will be monitoring what is happening,” he said, adding that the initiative was informed by the growing influx of people into Kano due to its relative peace and economic opportunities.

Dederi stressed that while Kano remains one of the most peaceful states in northern Nigeria, there is a need to adopt modern technology to sustain security.

“That is why we just have to employ a lot of technological innovation, which will help us ensure absolute security in Kano,” he said, while commending the cooperation of security agencies in the state.

On the scope of the programme, the commissioner explained that the tracking system would initially cover all commercial vehicles, including tricycles, taxis, buses, trailers and tankers, with plans to eventually extend it to private vehicle owners.

“For the start, we are focusing on all commercial vehicles,” he said. “Eventually, it will come down to everyone.”

He added that the initiative is in line with the state’s comprehensive transport policy, which provides a legal framework for public-private partnerships and encourages investment in road and rail infrastructure.

“The government cannot go it alone. Partnership through public-private collaboration is the global trend, and Kano will benefit from it,” Dederi said.

Also speaking, the Head of Operations of As&Aj Company, Dr. Aminu Umar Maigari, explained that the firm is the technical partner responsible for deploying and managing the tracking technology used for the Smart Transport Solution.

He said the system was introduced to address security challenges in the transport sector and protect both commuters and their property, noting that As&Aj Company is providing the software platform and tracking devices required for effective monitoring.

Maigari described the initiative as part of Kano State’s efforts to embrace information technology in governance, adding that it would improve transparency and accountability in transportation operations.

He explained that the application required to access the system is free to download and use, with operators only expected to complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) process and install the tracker.

“The good thing about it is that it’s free. You don’t need to pay anything to download and use the application,” he said, adding that the combined cost of the KYC and tracker is N28,000, with a 10 per cent government subsidy for the first one million subscribers.

He noted that the flag-off ceremony was intended to create awareness among transport unions and local government stakeholders, adding that full deployment of the system would commence the following Monday.

In a show of support, the Chairman of the Vehicle Owners and Transporters of Nigeria (VOTOR), Comrade Nazifi Gidan Kudi, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary.

He said the Smart Transport Solution would help check excesses among commercial vehicle operators, address unsafe driving and riding practices, and enhance security across the state.

The Daily Reality gathered that the Smart Transport Solution is expected to mark a significant step in Kano State’s drive to modernise its transport sector and strengthen public safety through technology-driven governance.

By Anas Abbas

The Singer Market Development Association (SIMDA) has reported a major fire outbreak at Singer Market, which began at about 3:00 a.m. and is still ongoing as of the time of this report. The incident has caused panic among traders and residents in the area.

In a statement shared by the chairman of the association, Barrister Muhammad Zakari called on members of the public and the business community to offer prayers for divine intervention as efforts continue to contain the fire. The association described the situation as serious and distressing.

The chairman urged everyone to remember the affected traders in their prayers, asking Allah to protect lives and minimize losses resulting from the inferno. He emphasized the importance of unity and support during this difficult moment for the market community.

The statement concluded with prayers for Allah’s mercy and protection, asking Him to bring the fire under control and restore calm to the market. “May Allah save us from this calamity,” the chairman prayed

Updates on how the fire started and the level of damage recorded will be communicated in due course.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A suspected phone thief sustained severe injuries after a mob attack in the Dorayi area of Kano State.

Sources said the incident occurred after the suspect was accused of attempting to steal a mobile phone belonging to a woman. The accusation led to a confrontation, which later escalated into violence.

Witnesses disclosed that the woman sustained injuries during the incident and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

Residents in the area stated that the youths subdued the suspect before the arrival of security operatives. They later poured petrol on him and set him on fire.

A tricycle rider, Abba Tilda, told newsmen: “When I got to the scene, the woman was being put on a ride to get her to the hospital.

“They poured petrol on the suspect and lit the match. He was still moving when the security agents took him. The road has been completely blocked.”

The suspect was later taken into custody for further investigation.

Dorayi has recorded similar violence in recent weeks. A woman, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children were murdered in the same area a few weeks ago.

As of the time this report was filed, the Kano State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

By Uzair Adam

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested seven suspected bandits and recovered five firearms with live ammunition in separate intelligence-driven operations across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna, saying the arrests followed credible intelligence on the activities of armed suspects.

According to Hassan, the first operation was carried out on January 28 at about 5:45 p.m. after security operatives received information that some individuals were in possession of prohibited firearms.

He explained that detectives attached to the Anti–Car Theft Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department promptly acted on the intelligence, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

He said the operation resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with two fully loaded magazines, two Beretta pistols with one fully loaded magazine, as well as a locally fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with seven rounds of live ammunition.

The suspects, he added, are currently in custody while investigations continue to track other criminal networks linked to them.

In a related operation on January 29, Hassan said the Divisional Police Officer of Zaria City Division led a team of 47 Police Mobile Force operatives on stop-and-search duties following intelligence reports on the movement of armed bandits.

“The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Adamu Lawal and Abdulhadi Lawal, both from Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, with a locally fabricated firearm recovered from them,” he said.

Hassan noted that the suspects are cooperating with investigators and providing information that could lead to further arrests.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the officers for their professionalism and swift response, while reaffirming the command’s zero tolerance for banditry and other forms of criminality in Kaduna State.