Kano

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has arrested five members of a criminal syndicate that specialized in impersonating police officers to extort unsuspecting citizens across Kano, Kaduna and Katsina States.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Command’s Spokesman, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the suspects were apprehended on Thursday, October 16, 2025, around 1:00 p.m., following credible intelligence.

Those arrested were identified as Aliyu Abbas (35), Sani Iliyasu (47), Ashiru Sule (41), Abubakar Yahaya (45), and Adamu Kalilu (45).

They were nabbed by operatives of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) while parading themselves as police officers.

According to the statement, several incriminating items were recovered from the suspects, including a fake police warrant card, handcuffs, CFA 2,500, mutilated naira notes of various denominations, and a blue Peugeot 406 with registration number NSR-188-BD used for their operations.

“During investigation, the suspects confessed to engaging in a series of impersonations using the fake warrant card to extort innocent citizens and carry out other criminal acts in Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna States,” the statement added.

SP Kiyawa said the suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that the police would not tolerate any form of criminal impersonation or illegal activity in the state.

He further urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has announced plans to host the 11th edition of the Nutritious Food Fair (NFF), tagged “Kano 2025,” on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Meena Event Center, Nasarawa GRA, Kano.

The state Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Musa Suleman Shanono, disclosed this during a media briefing on Monday in Kano.

He said the event, themed “Our Food, Our Heritage,” aligns with the agricultural transformation agenda of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration and aims to promote nutritious and locally produced foods.

Hon. Shanono explained that the fair is being organized by HarvestPlus, in collaboration with its global office in Washington, the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Health, the Kano State Government, and the UK Government-funded Propcom+ Programme.

According to him, the fair will bring together policymakers, researchers, farmers, and food processors to showcase innovations, share knowledge, and discuss issues in the nutritious food sector.

He added that over 100 commercial exhibitors and more than 2,000 participants are expected at the event, which will feature exhibitions, sales of nutritious food products, panel discussions, business deal rooms, quiz and cooking competitions, as well as capacity-building sessions.

A key highlight of the fair, according to the Commissioner, will be the decoration of the Kano State First Lady as the Smart Mother of the State, who will champion nutrition awareness and education among women across Kano.

Shanono further noted that the fair will create employment opportunities for youths and strengthen business linkages in the nutritious food sector.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with partners like Propcom+ and HarvestPlus to ensure that people across Kano State continue to have access to nutritious food.

By Uzair Adam

A PhD student from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU), Hidaya Lawal, has called for greater recognition of the role played by Islamic scholars (ulama) in shaping Kano’s traditional healthcare system, saying their influence remains central to public health and community well-being.

The call was made on Wednesday during the second day of a two-day conference organized by the Faculty of History and Development Studies, Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

The conference, themed “Ulama and Politics in Nigeria: Historical Perspectives,” brought together scholars, clerics, and political leaders from across the country.

Presenting her paper titled “The Influence of the Ulama on the Traditional Healthcare System in Kano Metropolis,” Lawal said her study seeks to rediscover the contributions of Islamic scholars to healthcare in Kano, particularly in the post-colonial period.

She explained that traditional medicine in Kano is often misunderstood, noting that it combines Islamic medicine with refined local Hausa practices aligned with the Qur’an and Hadith.

“When we talk about traditional healthcare, people usually think of pre-jihad practices. But in Kano, traditional medicine is an integration of Islamic and Hausa medical practices that have been tested and confirmed to be in line with Islamic teachings,” she said.

Lawal added that while early scholars such as Uthman Dan Fodio and others influenced the health system in the past, modern-day ulama have not received adequate academic attention.

She said the traditional medical system in Kano is holistic and covers mental, social, and moral well-being, not just physical health.

“Unlike Western medicine, which focuses mainly on curing diseases, our traditional medicine emphasizes total well-being—what we call lafiya,” she explained.

Lawal also noted that preventive health practices found in Islam align with modern medical guidelines.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, practices like handwashing and avoiding overcrowding were already part of Islamic public health principles,” she said.

According to her, collaboration between the ulama, the government, and research institutions has strengthened public trust in traditional medicine.

“Some herbal medicines have been tested by Bayero University Kano’s Department of Pharmacognosy and found to be up to 80 percent safe,” she said.

She added that the ulama also play a key role in addressing harmful superstitions and beliefs that affect mental health.

“Their sermons have helped reduce anxiety and discrimination, especially against women, by correcting false beliefs rooted in tradition,” she said.

Lawal said her research aims to promote greater understanding of the ulama’s influence on public health and encourage the integration of traditional and modern healthcare systems in Kano.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has expanded its hypertension prevention and treatment services to 208 Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the 44 local government areas of the state, according to the Ministry of Health.

The initiative, which builds on an earlier pilot phase, was launched under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to strengthen early detection and management of hypertension — a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and premature deaths in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Nabilusi Abubakar K/Na’isa, said the expansion followed the successful implementation of the programme in 52 PHCs under the National Hypertension Control Initiative (NHCI).

He explained that the initiative, with technical support from Resolve to Save Lives and Project HOPE, has now been scaled up to 208 facilities to ensure more residents have access to regular blood pressure checks, treatment, and follow-up care within their communities.

Quoting the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the statement noted that the government’s decision reflects its commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system and addressing non-communicable diseases across the state.

Dr. Yusuf commended the dedication of health workers participating in the programme and urged them to sustain their efforts to ensure lasting success in hypertension prevention and control.

“The scale-up of hypertension services across 208 PHCs demonstrates Kano’s leadership in improving access to essential care. This should serve as a model for other states in advancing equitable and sustainable health services,” the commissioner said.

The Ministry expressed optimism that the initiative will help prevent costly complications, reduce hospital admissions, and promote healthier, more productive lives for Kano residents.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the state’s Commissioner of Police, accusing him of incompetence and lack of professionalism.

The governor made the appeal on Wednesday during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

Governor Yusuf emphasized that Nigerians deserve security officers who are fair, transparent, and dedicated to safeguarding lives and property without bias or political interference.

His call comes at a time of heightened debate over the management of security in Kano, especially the role of the police in the state’s political affairs.

Details later…….

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has seized illicit drugs valued at more than N82 million and arrested a teenage suspect during an operation in the state capital.

Police spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.

He said the operation was carried out on September 20, 2025, after intelligence reports indicated that a suspicious vehicle was conveying cartons of intoxicants to Rimin Auzinawa Quarters in Kano.

“Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, our operatives cordoned off the premises where the vehicle was parked and arrested a 19-year-old suspect, Usman Umar,” Kiyawa explained.

He said a search of the house led to the recovery of 603 packets of suspected Tramadol tablets containing 60,300 pieces, estimated at N60.3 million, and 299 packets of suspected Pregabalin capsules with 44,850 pieces, valued at N22.4 million.

The total worth of the seized drugs, he noted, stood at N82.7 million.

Kiyawa added that the suspect is in custody and is assisting detectives with information to track down other members of the drug trafficking network.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, while reacting to the breakthrough, commended residents for their cooperation.

“This success would not have been possible without the vigilance and timely information from the good people of Kano,” he said.

Bakori assured that the Command will sustain the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, urging the public to continue sharing credible information.

He stressed that such intelligence would always be treated with confidentiality and prompt action.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, top figures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have declared their intention to reclaim the state from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and secure the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

The pledge was made on Thursday in Abuja following a strategic meeting of party stakeholders.

The meeting was led by former APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and House of Representatives member Abubakar Bichi.

Addressing journalists, Dr. Ganduje, a former governor of Kano, stated that the meeting was held to assess the party’s progress and affirm its unwavering support for President Tinubu.

He expressed confidence in the APC’s growing strength in the state, despite its loss in the 2023 polls.

“We have resolved that we will continue to work very hard to ensure that we succeed in the next gubernatorial election in Kano State,” Ganduje said.

He added that part of their strategy includes mobilizing supporters for the ongoing voter registration exercise.

Echoing this sentiment, Senator Barau Jibrin cited President Tinubu’s “giant strides” and developmental projects in Kano and the wider northern region as the reason for their solid backing.

He pledged that stakeholders would intensify efforts to publicize the administration’s achievements.

Similarly, Hon. Abubakar Bichi dismissed claims that Tinubu lacks support in the north, labeling such insinuations as “cheap politics.”

He affirmed that the APC in Kano is united and determined to deliver victory for the party in the 2027 elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday, September 22, 2025, officially flagged off its 2025 Public Relations Officers Workshop in Kano, charging officers to demonstrate professionalism, resilience, and innovation in sustaining the Service’s image and public trust.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, was represented by Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, at the opening ceremony held at the Centre of Excellence, Twin Theatres, Bayero University, Kano.

Delivering the CGC’s keynote address, Ag. DCG Bomodi highlighted the Service’s critical role at the “confluence of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security,” noting that every decision made by Customs affects citizens, the business community, and international partners.

He stressed that communication in such a sensitive environment must be more than ceremonial.

According to him, public relations officers serve as policy interpreters, dispute mediators, crisis managers, and custodians of the Service’s corporate image.

“Our actions may speak, but it is the voice of public relations that interprets, contextualises, and gives meaning to these actions. That is why this workshop is not just a routine exercise, but a strategic investment in the future of the Service,” he said.

Speaking on the workshop’s theme, “Beyond Masters of Ceremony: The Strategic Role of Public Relations Officers for Institutional Growth and Stakeholder Trust,” the CGC described it as timely and transformative, as it redefines the role of PROs from mere event announcers to key players in policy and stakeholder engagement.

He called on participants to embrace new technologies and crisis response tools, explaining that the rise of artificial intelligence and the risks of misinformation demand higher communication standards.

According to him, “The work of a PRO is not without its challenges. You will face crises that test your judgment, criticism that questions your integrity, and moments where silence may seem safer than speaking. But it is in these moments that your professionalism is most needed.”

Bomodi further assured that the leadership of the Service regards public relations as a vital component of its reform agenda, adding that its partnership with Bayero University represents “a bridge between scholarship and practice.”

He also welcomed BUK students present at the session, noting that their interaction with officers would enrich their academic exposure.

Declaring the workshop open, he urged participants to recommit to integrity and innovation, remarking: “The legacy you leave will not be measured by the number of events you anchored, but by the trust you built, the narratives you shaped, and the credibility you sustained for the Service.”

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, represented by his Director-General of Media, Sanusi Bature, commended the Customs Service for its role in national security, trade facilitation, and revenue generation. He described integrity and fairness as the backbone of effective public relations, stressing that the Service’s National PRO had set a standard for building public confidence.

He added that artificial intelligence, digital analytics, and social media engagement have become new frontiers for PR professionals.

However, he cautioned that “no technology can replace human values of honesty, empathy, and responsibility in communication.”

The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Professor Haruna Musa, also welcomed participants and reaffirmed the institution’s readiness to support the Service through training and research.

He described the workshop as a platform that “blends theory with practice in preparing officers for the demands of modern communication.”

In his presentation, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ike Neliaku, emphasised that strategic communication is central to nation-building, urging officers to evolve from “managing perception to actively shaping the credibility and trust upon which governance thrives.”

Also speaking, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, former Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, underlined the importance of social media as a tool for transparency and accountability.

He advised officers to deploy digital platforms effectively while guarding against disinformation.

Other experts at the event expressed optimism that the four-day workshop would enhance officers’ communication capacity, strengthen their stakeholder engagement, and further solidify the Service’s reputation as a forward-looking institution.

By Uzair Adam

Some Islamic clerics in Kano State have received training on fact-checking and media literacy to help them counter false narratives and disinformation in their sermons and public engagements.

The two-day training, organised by Alkalanci, a fact-checking platform, brought together members of the Council of Ulamas and other religious leaders across the state.

The Daily Reality reports that the programme focused on equipping clerics with tools to identify, verify and dispel fake news, particularly on social media.

Speaking at the session, the Chairman of the Council of Ulamas in Kano, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, emphasised that religious leaders carry the responsibility of upholding truth and preventing the spread of falsehood.

He noted that misinformation has contributed to social tension and division, urging clerics to lead by example in promoting accuracy and fairness.

“Millions of people listen to you. Whatever you tell them carries weight,” Khalil said, adding that Islam condemns lies and encourages verification before passing information to followers.

Similarly, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, represented by Bauren Kano, Alhaji Abbas Dalhatu, Managing Director of Freedom Radio Group, highlighted the impact of social media on shaping public opinion.

“Freedom Radio reaches over 230 million people. The impact of fake news is delicate and dangerous,” he said.

He also cited Surah An-Naml, where Prophet Suleiman instructed his servant and a bird to verify reports about Queen Bilqis, describing it as an Islamic precedent for fact-checking.

Earlier, the founder of Alkalanci, Alhasan Bala, said the workshop targeted religious leaders because of their central role in shaping public opinion.

“We live in a time where information travels faster than ever. A single message, video, or image can reach thousands in seconds, and much of it is inaccurate,” Bala said.

He warned that misinformation threatens peace, unity, and trust in society, stressing that clerics must ensure what they share is true, informed, and beneficial.

Bala added that Alkalanci, established in October 2024, is committed to promoting media literacy and countering disinformation in Hausa-speaking communities.

The training included practical methods of verifying information both online and offline. Bala expressed appreciation to the emir, the Council of Ulamas, and other facilitators for their support.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Hisbah Board says it has stopped a human trafficking attempt involving four women who were to be moved from Kano to Lagos, Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana before being smuggled to Saudi Arabia.

Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah, Dr. Mujahideen Aminudeen, confirmed the operation in a statement on Monday.

He said Hisbah operatives intercepted the traffickers on Sunday along Zaria Road.

The prime suspect, Bashir Sani Ibrahim, was arrested by Hisbah personnel, Muhammadul Bashir.

The victims include Harira Muhammad, 30, from Jigawa; Sailuba Ibrahim, 30, and Rakiya Umar, 30, both from Kano; and Hadiza Muhammad, 35, from Yobe.

According to Dr. Aminudeen, each of the women had already paid N2 million, with an agreement to pay another N1.5 million when their visas were processed.

“Altogether, each one was expected to pay 3.5 million,” he said.

He warned Nigerians against falling for such schemes.

“People are deceived and their money is taken. When they arrive abroad, they don’t know whose hands they will fall into.

“Some are forced into prostitution, others into drug trafficking. Many regret the decision for the rest of their lives,” he cautioned.

Dr. Aminudeen advised that such huge sums could be used to start businesses at home. “If you have N2 million or N3.5 million, that is enough capital for a legitimate trade,” he said.

He added that Hisbah has handed over the suspects and the victims’ documents to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.