Kano

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Hisbah Board says it will soon introduce mandatory mental health tests for intending couples as part of measures to address the rising cases of domestic violence and divorce.

Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah, Mujahideen Aminudeen, disclosed this while speaking to journalists, noting that many marital crises are linked to mental health challenges.

“We have realized that many of the problems we see in marriages today are linked to mental health. The test will help us know if both partners are truly ready to live together without harming one another,” Aminudeen said.

He explained that during marital counseling sessions, many women are discovered to be battling anxiety and depression, which makes mental health stability crucial for successful unions.

The Hisbah chief also expressed concern over the sale and use of alcohol and intoxicants in homes, describing them as major contributors to mental health problems.

“We have uncovered that there are women at home who are selling alcohol and other intoxicants. This is a major cause for concern for us and it is adding to the mental health crisis,” he said.

Aminudeen further stated that the policy would also cover divorcees whose marriages are sponsored by the state government.

“We already have a series of mandatory tests before marriage, like genotype and sexually transmitted diseases, so adding a mental health evaluation will not be a stretch,” he explained.

He advised parents to thoroughly investigate the character of prospective suitors before approving marriages, stressing that family scrutiny remains vital.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State students currently enrolled at the Nigerian Law School have appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to intervene in the delayed payment of their scholarships.

The students, in an open letter signed by Najeebullah Lawan on behalf of his colleagues, said they concluded the mandatory screening exercise conducted by the Kano State Scholarship Board over five months ago but have not received any information on their entitlements since then.

They described the situation as frustrating, noting that the financial strain of law school has left many of them struggling to cope.

“After undergoing the basic screening by the Kano State Scholarship Board more than five months ago, we were hopeful of receiving the much-needed scholarship support to aid our studies. However, we haven’t received any update on the status of our awards,” the letter stated.

The students further explained that the cost of books, study materials, and daily upkeep has become overwhelming, stressing that a timely response from the state government would greatly ease their burden.

“The cost of buying books, materials, and meeting our daily needs is overwhelming. Your timely intervention would be a huge relief and a boost to our academic pursuits,” they added.

They urged Governor Yusuf to fast-track the payment of their scholarship, saying the intervention would motivate them to excel and return to contribute meaningfully to the development of Kano State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Government has declared Friday, September 12th, 2025, as a public holiday to mark the celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The announcement was made in a circular issued on Thursday by the Office of the Head of Civil Service, signed by the Permanent Secretary for Establishment, Salisu Mustapha.

The holiday, which corresponds to the 19th of Rabi’ul Awwal, 1447 on the Islamic calendar, is specifically to observe Takutaha, the seventh-day celebration of the Prophet’s birth.

The government extended its wishes for a joyous and peaceful celebration to the entire Muslim community.

It also urged citizens to use the occasion for reflection, to emulate the virtues of the Prophet, and to offer prayers for the continued peace, stability, and prosperity of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.

The circular directs all state government offices, courts, tertiary institutions, and parastatals to observe the work-free day.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano Government Committee probing the Nigerian Meat and Allied Products (NIMAP) abattoir says its inspection of the Chalawa facility has uncovered widespread destruction and missing equipment worth billions of naira.

The panel, chaired by Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, visited the site on Tuesday as part of its mandate to examine the fate of the multi-billion-naira project.Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had last week set up the 11-member committee to probe allegations that the abattoir, established more than 35 years ago, was sold and stripped under the previous administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Addressing journalists during the inspection, Muhuyi said only fragments of the original structures remain, noting that equipment valued at over N20 billion had either disappeared or been disposed of.

“This was once a facility designed to process halal meat and support fish farming, with the potential to supply both domestic and foreign markets,” he said.

“Today, what we see is monumental destruction of unimaginable magnitude.”

He also disclosed that the land allocated to the abattoir had been divided and transferred to private hands, in some cases through alleged auctions and in others by outright allocation.

Muhuyi assured that the committee would submit a thorough and impartial report to guide the state government on the next steps.

“This assignment is about safeguarding public assets. While some states are just beginning to consider such facilities, Kano had one for decades, and it has been wasted. Our duty is to establish what happened and recommend the way forward,” he added.

The committee’s report is expected to determine those responsible for the destruction and chart a path for possible recovery of the assets.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has expelled Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, the lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency, accusing him of working against the party’s interest and failing to fulfill his financial commitments.

The announcement was made on Saturday in Kano by the state chairman of the party, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, during a press briefing. He explained that the decision followed Jibrin’s frequent public criticism of the NNPP and its leadership.

“This is coming barely 24 hours after the member said it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he dumps the party,” Dungurawa stated.

Earlier, Jibrin had hinted at the possibility of leaving the party.

According to him, “he is old enough to take a stand independently what is best for him politically.”

By Uzair Adam

Kano State has developed a sustainable framework to boost its HIV response despite the withdrawal of global donor funding, the state government has disclosed.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA), Sa’adatu Suleiman, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the Director General of KSACA, Dr. Usman Bashir, presented the state’s progress and strategies during a briefing with the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, heads of government agencies, and key partners.

The statement explained that while several states experienced disruptions in HIV services following global policy shifts, particularly under the Trump administration in the United States, Kano remained resilient through proactive planning, strong political will, and consistent government support.

It added that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf backed the HIV response with a dedicated budget of N2 billion, with nearly half of the funds already released to ensure test kits, drugs, consumables, and improved data systems remain available.

“The government’s commitment has ensured that the agency is now stronger, functional, and working hand-in-hand with sister agencies to prevent service interruptions,” the statement quoted Dr. Bashir as saying.

The statement further noted that the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining HIV services.

It stressed that KSACA continues to collaborate with agencies including the Hospital Management Board, Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, KHETFUND, KSCHMA, KNCDC, and PHIMA.

It added that the presentation was not only a review of progress but also an opportunity to identify challenges and chart new strategies to sustain and strengthen HIV services in the state.

By Uzair Adam 

Two siblings from Rimin Gado Local Government Area of Kano have achieved an exceptional milestone after graduating with first-class degrees in Computer Science from different universities in the same year.

Sulaiman and Maryam Salisu, younger brothers and sisters of a prominent BBC journalist, Aisha Salisu Babangida, both achieved identical Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPA) of 4.51 in 2025. 

While Sulaiman studied at Al-Istiqama University in Sumaila, Kano, Maryam attended the Federal University of Dutsin-Ma in Katsina State.

Speaking with The Daily Reality on Wednesday, Sulaiman said his achievement was not just personal but a fulfilment of his late father’s dream.

He stated, “When I saw my final result, I was surprised. I was thrilled because I had fulfilled my father’s dream. He always told me I could do it and reminded me how important it was.”

He explained that his first semester result placed him in the first-class category, which brought joy to his father. But when his performance later dropped, his father sat him down and encouraged him to refocus. “That conversation changed everything,” he recalled.

Sulaiman also spoke about the sacrifices his parents made during his studies, narrating how his mother once sold her goat to send him money for food after he ran out of supplies.

“I only discovered what happened when I returned home during the semester break. I felt like crying when I realised the sacrifice. It motivated me to work harder because I knew my parents were giving their all for me,” he said.

As a member of the pioneer graduating set at Al-Istiqama University, Sulaiman said having no seniors to look up to pushed him to put in his best and even guide his peers.

Similarly, his sister, Maryam, graduated with the same CGPA of 4.51 from the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma. She described her success as a dream she had nurtured for years.

She stated, “I cannot describe the joy I feel. Completing my studies with such a result is something I had prayed and worked for. This achievement is not mine alone; it belongs to my family and to Nigeria as a whole.”

Maryam recalled that she nearly lost focus after the death of their father while she was about to begin her final year, but the support she received from her family, teachers, and friends helped her persevere.

She said her ambition is to pursue advanced studies in Computer Science, with a focus on software development and Artificial Intelligence. 

She stated, “I want to use the knowledge I have gained to bring positive change to society, especially in Nigeria and Africa. 

“I also hope to inspire women and young people to believe that with determination and faith, they can achieve their dreams,” she added.

Both Sulaiman and Maryam expressed gratitude to their family, teachers, and friends, praying for Allah’s reward for their late father and their mother, whose sacrifices they said played a vital role in their success.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has rolled out a fresh security initiative tagged “Operation Kukan Kura” to strengthen community policing and intensify the fight against crime using both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, noting that the operation aligns with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to entrench community-centered policing.

He explained that the initiative is designed to boost public participation and encourage collaboration with security agencies, stressing the crucial role of residents as the “eyes and ears of the Police” across the state.

He recalled that similar strategies had earlier produced positive outcomes, particularly in tackling thuggery, locally called Fadan Daba.

Bakori also highlighted the Command’s recent breakthroughs, revealing that 107 suspects were apprehended in August for offences such as armed robbery, kidnapping, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and theft.

Items recovered during the operations include an AK-47 rifle, seven fabricated guns, 11 live rounds of ammunition, motor vehicles, motorcycles, cows, cutlasses, knives, and large quantities of illicit drugs.

He added that in 2025 alone, the Command had recovered hundreds of weapons and significant quantities of narcotics.

While commending officers for their resilience, he pointed out that the adoption of digital tools and technological innovations had further enhanced police operations.

The Commissioner assured that the Command would continue to adopt fresh strategies to outpace criminal elements and sustain peace in the state.

He expressed appreciation to residents and the media for their vigilance and support.

“The willingness of our people to share information has greatly enhanced our operations and strengthened our capacity to safeguard the state,” he said.

Bakori urged the public to promptly report crimes or suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines.

By Kabiru Abdullahi Muhammad

The recent decision by the management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), that bans commercial motorcycle operators (okada riders) from operating within the university community has triggered widespread outcry from both students and business owners.

For decades, motorcycles have been a lifeline for transportation and commerce in the university environment.

But since the ban, traders in the popular Coke Village market say their businesses have suffered unprecedented losses.

Malam Tasiu Hamisu, a foodstuff dealer who has operated in Coke Village for over 30 years, described the impact as devastating.

“I have never experienced such a huge downfall in my business until now when the school management stopped the bike men from working,” he lamented.

There were about 400 motorcycle riders in the university, with roughly 100 operating daily. Many of them were among my most reliable customers.

“Some bought foodstuffs worth ₦3,000 every day, while others bought occasionally. Now that they are gone, my business has been seriously affected. The only time we used to lose customers was during school holidays, but this is worse,” he added.

He also noted that students who previously sent riders to purchase goods on their behalf no longer have that option.

Malam Aliyu Sulaiman Ibrahim, another trader who sells palm oil, groundnut oil, and other household essentials, echoed the same concern.

“This issue has really affected me, and I have lost a lot of customers,” he said.

Similarly, Malam Umar, who operates a café, narrated how the ban has disrupted his daily routine.

“Sometimes when fuel finishes in the middle of work, I used to send a bike man to quickly get petrol. But now I can’t, and students won’t wait for me to go myself because there are many other shops they can turn to. This affects me badly,” he explained.

Students Struggle with Transport

Students are also struggling with the issue. The management introduced on-campus tricycles (adaidaita sahu) as an alternative, but there are only five to six tricycles available to serve thousands of students.

Every morning, long queues form at the university gate, with many students forced to trek long distances to their faculties.

Zainab Lawan, a student from the Faculty of Agriculture, shared her frustration.

“I nearly missed a test because I was waiting for a tricycle. In the end, I had to trek all the way from the gate to my faculty. It is really stressful, especially when you are in a hurry to attend lectures,” she said.

Both students and business owners said that the ban has created more hardship than solutions.

As Malam Tasiu put it: “The university is not just about classrooms; it is also a community. We all depend on one another to survive.”

By Suleiman Musa Yahaya Ikara

The scourge of thuggery and phone snatching in Kano State has escalated into a grave crisis, endangering students and residents alike.

Just weeks ago, a Bayero University, Kano (BUK) student fell victim during a routine trip to Dorayi.

The incident added to growing insecurity, leaving residents anxious about their safety and wellbeing, particularly in the metropolis.

The BUK community is still mourning the gruesome killing of a 300-level student, Umar Abdullahi Hafiz, by suspected phone snatchers near his off-campus residence in Dorayi.

His death underscores the brutality of the menace.From Danbare to Kofar Kabuga, Kofar Mata, Zoo Road, Sheka, Dorayi, Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna, and Gwagwarwa, violent attacks have become daily occurrences.

Street ambushes, stabbings, daylight robberies, and mobs armed with axes, stones, and knives have turned once-busy neighborhoods into zones of fear.

The perpetrators, commonly called fadan daba, have shaken public confidence in urban safety.

Media platforms are awash with disturbing videos and images capturing these attacks.

A source from Bayero University, kano said “The incident was so devastating and heartbreaking. As a girl from far away who chose to study in Kano, I ended up being robbed. It makes me feel discouraged.”

Confirming the university’s concern, Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, said investigations and a manhunt were underway in collaboration with security agencies.

Similarly, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas, condemned the killing and pledged to work closely with law enforcement to ensure justice.Despite these assurances, the violence persists.

Deep-rooted gang networks quickly replace arrested members, exposing the limits of enforcement alone.

Outrage across Kano has grown as the climate of insecurity signals that no one is truly safe.

The Law and the Crime

Legal experts remind citizens of their rights and the penalties awaiting offenders. Barrister Ibrahim Bako explained: “Section 43 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to own property. Sections 286 and 287 of the Penal Code define theft and prescribe up to 10 years imprisonment for offenders.”

He added that phone snatchers could be charged with multiple offences, including theft, robbery, extortion, and criminal conspiracy

Root Causes: Drugs and Idleness

The NDLEA has linked the rise of thuggery and phone snatching to drug abuse among youths. In 2024, the Kano Command arrested over 1,345 suspects, seized 8.4 million kilograms of illicit substances, and secured 128 convictions.

Initiatives such as Operation Hana Maye continue to dismantle drug joints and rehabilitate addicts, but the challenge persists.

Searching for SolutionsGovernor Abba Kabir Yusuf has pledged decisive action against sponsors of youth gangs, alongside empowerment and job creation programs.

Yet, many argue that this is not enough. Community leaders stress the role of parents, traditional rulers, and residents in guiding young people away from crime.

Zayyana Abdullahi, a community leader stated that “Strengthening community policing, empowering neighborhood vigilantes, improving surveillance, and building trust between residents and law enforcement are critical for restoring safety.”

A Call for Collective ActionThe Kano Police Command, led by SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, acknowledges the worsening situation and has intensified operations.

Still, durable peace will require more than arrests, it demands holistic action.enforcing the law, tackling drug abuse, empowering youths with skills and jobs, and rebuilding community trust.

The coordinated efforts of government, law enforcement, religious bodies, and civil society must go hand in hand.

Kano’s battle against thuggery and phone snatching is not just a fight against crime,it is a fight for the soul of the city.