Kano

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A devastating explosion rocked a mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, on Wednesday, leaving 24 people critically injured.

The blast occurred during the early morning Subhi Prayer, sending shockwaves through the community. 

According to the Kano Police Command, the explosion is believed to have been caused by a petrol bomb, although a full investigation is still ongoing.

The police were quick to respond to the scene, cordoning off the area and rushing the victims to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano for treatment. 

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed that 20 male adults and 4 male children were among the injured.

He also revealed that the principal suspect, Shafi’u Abubakar, aged 38, has been arrested and is currently in police custody. 

According to the suspect, the explosion was a result of a prolonged family disagreement over inheritance.

He allegedly targeted those he believed had cheated him, who were present in the mosque at the time. 

The police have assured the public that a detailed investigation is ongoing and that more information will be released as it progresses. 

The victims and their families are in the thoughts and prayers of the community as they recover from this devastating incident.

 By Uzair Adam Imam

Sadiq Zubairu, previously employed by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), has admitted to the murder of his colleague, Bello Bukar Adamu, over an unresolved debt of N3 million. 

Adamu, a resident of Kano, went missing after allegedly receiving an urgent call from Zubairu. Two days later, Adamu’s body was discovered in Kumbotso Local Government Area.  

According to Abdullahi Abubakar, Adamu’s brother, Adamu had high hopes of securing a job offer with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and had entrusted Zubairu to facilitate the opportunity.

However, upon receiving the call from Zubairu, Adamu vanished. Police spokesperson Abdullahi Kiyawa confirmed Zubairu’s arrest and the ongoing investigation into the matter.

Zubairu reportedly confessed to conspiring with two others to lure Adamu to his house, where they fatally assaulted him and disposed of his body. 

Zubairu claimed the dispute arose from his inability to repay the N3 million debt he owed Adamu, which was taken under false pretenses of securing a job offer. 

The Daily Reality learned that hundreds gathered for Adamu’s burial, mourning the loss of a trusted colleague.  

Sani Bala, KEDCO’s spokesperson, expressed shock at the incident, stating that it was a personal matter unrelated to the company.

He clarified that Zubairu was no longer an employee at the time of the incident.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The New Incentive All Babies Are Equal has recognised five local governments in Kano State with a cash award of N150,000 each for their steadfast dedication to child vaccination efforts in their respective areas. 

Mubarak Bawa, the Operations Coordinator of the programme, revealed that the selection criteria for the award included metrics such as enrollment figures, retention rates for the Penta vaccine, vaccine supply management, documentation accuracy, and the extent of vaccination-related activities, all based on data from 2023. 

Bawa disclosed this information during the ‘Kano State and LGA Award’ ceremony held at The Afficent Event Center in Nassarawa GRA, Kano.

He stated the program’s overarching goal of efficiently saving lives. 

He further stated that a significant achievement in Kano, where over 520,000 infants were enrolled, and a total disbursement exceeding N1.4 billion, facilitated more than 5 million vaccinations across the state. 

The event, conducted in collaboration with the Kano state government, aimed to recognise the dedicated efforts of individuals and organisations in boosting childhood immunisation rates and saving lives in the state. 

Out of the 44 local governments in Kano, five were awarded N150,000 each based on criteria such as enrollments, penta retention rate, vaccine supply, documentation, and activities using 2023 data.

The awarded local governments were Nassarawa, Tsanyawa, Dawakin Tofa, Takai, and Minjibir, respectively. 

He added that, “Since 2017, we have been actively coordinating with state governments and LGAs to provide cash incentives to increase childhood vaccinations in Northern Nigeria.” 

He also noted the importance of incentivizing efforts, stating, “Data shows that rewarding people for their efforts helps increase engagement and accountability—leading to a more productive and efficient system as we work toward our common goals.” 

In recognition of his outstanding dedication to enrollments, immunisation rates, activities, and stakeholder engagement, Kamilu Ahmad Musa was awarded N30,000 as the best NI-ABAE manager in Kano State. 

Dr. Nasir Mahmoud Muhammad, the Kano Director General of the Primary Healthcare Management Board, commended the New Incentive All Babies are Equal for their support towards the state’s Primary Healthcare program.  

He noted, “The New Incentive Kano State Management Board recognized local government areas that are excelling in the provision of immunization.  

“Based on the criteria and ranking, we selected the best local governments out of the 44, who gathered here and were recognized,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fahad Danladi, a proud father from Kano, Nigeria, who resides in the United States, has taken to social media to celebrate his daughter Fariha’s outstanding academic achievements.

Fariha was rewarded with a brand new bike for her hard work and dedication to her studies. 

Fahad, who was overjoyed by his daughter’s success, shared the news on Twitter, saying, “I’m beaming with pride to share that my 2nd daughter, Fariha Danladi, has been rewarded with a brand new bike for her outstanding academic achievements in school! Her hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see her excel. Congratulations, Fariha, on this well-deserved recognition!” 

Fariha’s achievement is a testament to the importance of hard work and determination, and serves as an inspiration to her peers and the Nigerian community in the US.

Her family and community appeared to be proud of her accomplishments.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

The Police Command in Kano State clarified that the recall of police officers from the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) is solely for the purpose of conducting a staff audit, contrary to speculations of political vendetta. 

The Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, explained to reporters in Kano that the recall aims to ascertain the precise number of police personnel seconded to the commission since 2015. 

Gumel noted that the move is a response to numerous complaints received through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU), alleging highhandedness and deviation from assigned duties by the police attached to the commission. 

“The exercise was simply a response to series of reports received through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU),” Gumel stated. 

“They portrayed policemen attached to the commission as being highhanded and deviating from the expected role of providing static guard and other duties at the commission.” 

Gumel further clarified, “For the purposes of clarity, members of the public are to note that the object of the ongoing staff audit is basically to address the litany of complaints as reported by sections of the media.” 

He expressed that the audit became necessary to rectify anomalies in the commission’s operations, where police officers were reportedly involved in arrests and investigations, deviating from their original mandate. 

“In summary the step is towards ensuring a better and effective service delivery by the policemen devoid of abuse of process in the interest of the people,” Gumel added. 

The Commissioner also revealed that similar audits were conducted in the past, with officers returning to their duty posts upon conclusion. 

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has approved the immediate return of some police officers providing guard duty at the commission who have undergone the audit process. 

“Should the commission require more policemen for other duties than what has been expressly approved by the IGP, it should apply to IGP for approval and deployment,” according Gumel.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

The Kano State Anti-Corruption and Public Complaints Commission has unveiled fresh allegations of corruption and maladministration against former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. 

The chairman of the commission, Muhuyi Magaji, disclosed that investigations have exposed the diversion of N51.3 billion from local government funds to unauthorised individuals during Ganduje’s tenure.  

Speaking on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme, Magaji claimed that the administration withdrew N1 billion monthly from state coffers before its conclusion in May 2023.  

Allegedly earmarked for road renovation, these funds were redirected to Bureau de Change operators. Magaji further highlighted a case involving N4 billion transferred from Kano’s consolidated revenue account to an agricultural company.  

He asserted that these revelations merely scratch the surface of broader corruption probes, indicating ongoing investigations into various financial irregularities. 

Magaji stated that, “We have filed a series of cases. We have a case whereby N1 billion was diverted from government coffers under the guise of renovating 30 roads in the metropolis, only to be sent to Bureau de Change.  

“We have another case involving N4 billion transferred from the state’s revenue account to an agricultural company. All these cases are currently before the court,” he added. 

In response to these allegations, the state government has announced its intention to arraign Ganduje, along with his wife and son, for money laundering later this week.  

The unfolding saga adds another chapter to the ongoing scrutiny of political figures and financial mismanagement in Nigeria.

 By Uzair Adam Imam  

The Kano State Police Command revealed on Thursday their discovery of alleged schemes orchestrated by certain “political thugs and enemies of the state” aiming to disrupt the recently conducted Hawan Daushe Durbar Celebration, on April 11, 2024, at the revered Emir’s Palace in Kofar Kudu, Kano. 

SP Abdullahi Haruna, spokesperson for the Kano police, conveyed this development in a formal statement issued on Thursday. 

“Joint security forces operating within the state are cognizant of these malevolent intentions and have initiated comprehensive measures to ensure the peaceful conduct of the Durbar festivities, along with guaranteeing the safety of all residents. 

“This includes the strategic deployment of personnel and resources across key areas of the state,” Haruna said. 

He sternly warned, “The Kano State Police Command unequivocally states that anyone, regardless of affiliation, who attempts to disrupt the prevailing peace in the state will face arrest and the full force of legal consequences. Moreover, their backers will be identified and held accountable accordingly.” 

He added, “The Sallah Durbar is a cultural event, not a political forum. The exhibition of political paraphernalia, such as banners and posters, is construed as a distortion and could potentially incite disorder.” 

Politicians received counsel to “urge their supporters to perceive Sallah as a celebration of unity and heritage,” Haruna added. 

Furthermore, he disclosed, “During the Hawan Eid Sallah Day, a total of 54 suspected thugs were apprehended, and a cache of hazardous weapons and narcotics was confiscated from them. These suspects will undergo due legal process.” 

Haruna also solicited, “It is imperative for the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station.” 

The Kano State Police Command reiterated their commitment to fostering collaboration and cooperation among all stakeholders to collectively fortify the region’s security framework and create a safer environment for all.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reappointed Yusuf Shuaibu Imam, famously known as Ogan Boye, to his former post as Special Adviser on Youth and Sports.

This decision comes amidst a flurry of eight other new appointments, which encompass a variety of key roles within the state administration.

Ogan Boye’s reinstatement comes with a controversial backdrop.

He was previously dismissed from his position alongside a Commissioner due to alleged threats directed at the Elections Petition Tribunal Judges in the State.

However, Governor Yusuf has decided to reinstate Ogan Boye and renominate the Commissioner, who was recently confirmed by the State Assembly for reappointment.

The fresh appointments, as announced by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, introduce a mix of seasoned professionals into critical positions.

Notable among these appointments are Prof. Ibrahim Magaji Barde as Special Adviser for Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Dr. Abdulhamid Danladi as Special Adviser on Diaspora II, and Engr. Bello Muhammad Kiru will be the Special Adviser on Water Resources.

Dr Nura Jafar Shanono has been reassigned from his role as Special Adviser on Water Resources to become Managing Director at the Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA), signalling a strategic shift within the administration.

Additionally, Baba Abubakar Umar has transitioned from Special Adviser to Executive Secretary of the Private and Voluntary Institutions Management Board.

Rounding out the new appointments are Nasir Mansur Muhammad as the Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Aminu Hamidu Bako Kofar Na’isa and Engr. Mukhtar Yusuf as Deputy Managing Directors for KNARDA and WRECA respectively.

The Governor’s spokesperson stated that these appointments take immediate effect and are part of Governor Yusuf’s commitment to ushering in a new era of progress and development for Kano State by entrusting capable individuals with key responsibilities.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

At a media briefing on the “Agro Commodities Standard Grading System National Validation” programme, Jafar Umar, Director General of the Nigerian Agribusiness Group (NABG), called for the standardisation of Nigeria’s agro commodities grading system to align with international standards.

The event is scheduled to take place in Abuja. The organisation believes that agriculture, as a major sector of the economy, has the potential to lift Nigeria out of its current socio-economic challenges, according to the Director General.

He also highlighted NABG’s ongoing efforts to partner with public, private, and donor institutions to improve the business environment for agribusiness. 

Celestine Okanya, Director General and CEO of NiNAS, stated that NABG is dedicated to ensuring that agribusiness people and smallholder farmers receive the maximum return on their investments.  

This is achieved through a focus on improving the productivity and profitability of the agribusiness sector.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has distributed food items to over 2,000 households in eight local government areas of Kano State, mostly for people with disabilities (PWDs). 

Abdulrahman ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Zaben, the team leader of the foundation, said the program aims to support families and those in need during the holy month of Ramadan every year to alleviate hardship and suffering. 

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) implemented the program in Nigeria.  

Food items distributed included 25kg bags of beans, 25kg bags of rice, and 4kg of Masavita, among others. At the event, Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo expressed gratitude to the centre for remembering the people of Kano during Ramadan. 

The Director of Special Duties at NEMA, Fatima Kashim, who represented NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar, also thanked the centre for reaching out to those in need. 

The deputy governor, DG NEMA, and the representative of the King Salman Humanitarian Relief Center called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the items to improve the lives of their families.