Kano

By Uzair Adam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State departed Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Sunday night, leading a high-powered delegation to attend the funeral rites of the late business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, in Madina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dantata passed away in the early hours of Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.This was made known in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Accompanying the Governor on this solemn journey are the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Umar Namadi, former Governor Barr. Ali Saad Birnin Kudu, and other senior government officials and notable dignitaries from Kano.

The Daily Reality reports that Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a towering figure in commerce, philanthropy, and community service, spent his final days in devotion in Abu Dhabi before his passing.

His death marks the end of an era, closing a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s business and humanitarian history.

Speaking shortly before his departure, Governor Yusuf described the late Dantata as “a father to many, whose generosity and commitment to humanity transcended borders.”

He added that the presence of the delegation in Madina reflects the deep respect and gratitude the people and government of Kano State have for the deceased elder statesman.

The funeral in Madina is expected to attract delegations from across Nigeria, including federal and state officials, family members, business associates, Islamic scholars, and admirers, all gathering to pray for the repose of his soul.

Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata will be remembered for his humility, deep faith, and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and community development.

By Anas Abbas

The late Kano billionaire and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, will be laid to rest in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, in accordance with his final wishes.

While many had anticipated that his funeral rites would take place in Kano, his family has revealed that he expressed a desire to be buried alongside his late wife, Rabi Dantata, who passed away in 2023.

His secretary, Mustafa Abdullahi Junaid, confirmed that preparations are already underway for the burial in Madinah.

“He often mentioned that whenever we passed by Saudi Arabia, he would say, ‘I wish to be buried here,'” Junaid stated.

Zakari further noted that the Nigerian presidency is currently involved in the arrangements and is awaiting approval and confirmation from the Saudi authorities.

Alhaji Dantata, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s business landscape, passed away at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, during the early hours of Saturday following a brief illness.

Renowned for his philanthropic efforts and exceptional business insight, his death has elicited an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria and beyond.

Many are reflecting on his significant contributions to commerce, education, and community development.

By Uzair Adam

A large crowd of mourners—including politicians, business leaders, and Islamic scholars—gathered in Kano on Saturday to offer Salatul Ga’ib (funeral prayer in absentia) for the late elder statesman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who died earlier in the day in Dubai.

The Daily Reality gathered Dantata is expected to be buried in Saudi Arabia.

The prayer, held at the Umar Bin Khaddab Mosque in Gyadi-Gyadi, was led by the Chairman of the Kano Council of Ulama, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil.

In his remarks, Sheikh Khalil extolled Dantata’s legacy, describing him as a peacemaker and a generous leader who often used his personal wealth to resolve conflicts and support those in need.

“He was someone who used his wealth and influence to promote peace and assist those in distress,” he said.

He added that, “He once intervened in a crisis in Maiduguri using his personal resources. May Allah forgive him and reward him with Jannatul Firdaus.”

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who was also in attendance, described the passing of Dantata as a national tragedy.

“This is a loss that affects the whole nation. The only thing we can do now is to pray that Allah forgives him, rewards his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus. May Allah also give us the strength to bear this huge loss,” he added.

Renowned businessman Alhaji Dalhatu Abubakar, Chairman of Al-Hamsad Group and President of the Coalition of 19 Northern States Chambers of Commerce, said Dantata’s death has created a vacuum in the business community.

He stated that, “Kano, Nigeria, and even the world lost a great leader. He resolved many conflicts between communities and the business sector. He contributed immensely to Islam and humanity. We can only continue to pray for him.”

Also speaking, Sheikh Ibrahim Aminu Daurawa explained the significance of Salatul Ga’ib, noting that it was first performed by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) after the death of King Najashi of Abyssinia.

“It remains a Sunnah for Muslims to perform this prayer when someone dies in a distant place and is buried there,” he said.

Other dignitaries at the event included House of Representatives member Kabiru Alhassan Rurum and former Kano State Secretary to the Government, Baffa Bichi.

Notably, there was no visible representation from the Kano State Government. Neither Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, his deputy, nor the Secretary to the State Government attended the prayer.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano Council of Ulama has announced plans to conduct Salatul Ga’ib (funeral prayer in absentia) for the late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who passed away recently.

In a statement issued by the Council’s Chairman, Malam Ibrahim Khalil, the prayer will take place at 2:00 pm at the Umar Bin Khaddab Mosque in the Gyadi-Gyadi area of Kano.

Khalil urged members of the Muslim community to attend and offer prayers for the deceased.

“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. May Allah forgive him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus,” the statement said.

Salatul Ga’ib is performed for a deceased person whose body is not present at the location of the prayer, often when the individual has died and been buried elsewhere.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

One of Nigeria’s most prominent businessmen and respected elder statesmen, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, has died.

His death was confirmed by a family member on Friday, stirring an outpouring of grief across the country.

The family member shared the sad news, stating: “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. It is with heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings. The Janazah details will be shared later insha Allah.”

Alhaji Aminu Dantata was widely respected for his immense contribution to commerce, philanthropy, and the development of northern Nigeria.

He was known for his humility, generosity, and commitment to public good.

Details of his funeral (Janazah) will be made public in due course, according to the family.

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Government has announced Thursday as public holiday to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1447 AH.

This is contained in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, which was made available to journalists on Wednesday.

The state governor, Abba Yusuf, congratulated the Muslim faithful on witnessing the New Year, which begins with the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The governor called on the people of the state and the entire Muslim Ummah to reflect on their actions over the past year and to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in the state and the country at large.

He also assured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to improving their living standards through dedicated and people-oriented governance.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A Kano State High Court has handed down a combined sentence of 120 years to six members of a notorious child abduction and trafficking syndicate found guilty of abducting and selling children under the age of 10.

The convicts, who operated between Kano and Onitsha, Anambra State, were charged with multiple counts of child abduction, trafficking, and conspiracy. According to court records, the group abducted several young children from various parts of Kano and trafficked them across state lines to Onitsha, where the children were sold.

Justice Zuwaira Yusuf, who presided over the case, found all six guilty as charged and sentenced them to various prison terms without the option of a fine.

Justice Yusuf described the crimes as “heinous and inhuman,” noting that the syndicate’s actions had caused “unimaginable trauma to innocent families.”

She sentenced Mercy Paul to 55 years imprisonment, Ebere Ogbono to 41 years, Emmanuel Igwe to 9 years, Loius Duru to 6 years, Monica Oracha to 5 years, and Chinelo Ifedigwe to 9.

The verdict follows years of investigation and cooperation between security agencies in Kano and Anambra. Parents of the abducted children expressed relief at the ruling, calling it a step toward justice.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining missing children and dismantle the broader trafficking network.

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, witnessed a mammoth gathering on Thursday as thousands of supporters lined the streets to welcome him back from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he had gone for the Hajj pilgrimage.

The Daily Reality gathered that what is ordinarily a 30-minute drive from the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport to the Kano State Government House took several hours due to the massive turnout of well-wishers who accompanied the governor’s convoy amid chants, music, and the waving of red caps — the symbol of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

Commending the solidarity and support shown to the governor, the AKY Go Again Movement, in a statement on Sunday, expressed deep appreciation to the people of Kano, political and non-political groups, and government officials for their overwhelming participation in the reception rally.

The statement, signed by Hon. Ramadan Yusuf on behalf of the group, described the turnout as a clear demonstration of loyalty and love for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and a reaffirmation of the strength of the Kwankwasiyya Movement under the visionary leadership of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“We organised this grand reception to show appreciation for the impactful and transformative leadership of Governor Yusuf, and to publicly declare our unwavering support for his continuity in office beyond 2027,” the statement read in part.

The group said Governor Yusuf’s people-first leadership style, dedication to restoring dignity in governance, and delivery of key developmental projects have set Kano on a path of progress and prosperity.

It added that the AKY Go Again Movement will continue to serve as a strategic platform to mobilise grassroots support, highlight the administration’s achievements, and promote the ideals of progressive leadership espoused by the Kwankwasiyya philosophy.

The statement listed key members steering the movement, including Alhaji Tijjani Hussain Gandu (SSA Mawallafa), Hon. Sadeeq Kote (Chairman), Hon. Abdullahi Sarki Fulani (SSA, Kano State Censorship Board), Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Inuwa (SSA on Reformatory Institutes), Hon. Sulaiman Mukhtar Bichi, Hon. Ramadan Yusuf (SSA on Media Monitoring and Innovation), Hon. Aminu Yanmedi, Hon. Yakubu Kubaraci, and Hon. Shamsu Kura.

The movement prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and protection for Governor Yusuf as he continues to serve the people of Kano State.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government is set to establish a dedicated management structure for the Farm Centre GSM Market to ensure transparency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

During a visit to the market, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf called on traders and market users to cooperate with security agencies in addressing the growing incidents of phone snatching and petty crimes in the area.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, emphasizing that the state’s 26 vocational training institutes will continue to serve as platforms for skills development, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods.

In his welcome remarks, Comrade Jamilu Gama, Chairman of the GSM Market, expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the government’s swift intervention.

He noted that the prompt response brought hope and relief to traders affected by the recent fire outbreak.

Situated in the heart of Kano metropolis, the Farm Centre GSM Market spans 20 plazas and serves as a major hub for mobile phones, gadgets, and related services.

It provides direct employment to over 39,000 youth, making it one of the largest tech-related informal job markets in Northern Nigeria.

Stakeholders have described Governor Yusuf’s visit and the state’s support as a bold and strategic move to promote economic recovery, enhance infrastructure, and ensure greater youth inclusion.

By Uzair Adam

A powerful explosion rocked a company located along the Eastern Bypass in Kano on Saturday morning, leaving five people dead and injuring 10 others.

The blast was reportedly triggered by a military mortar bomb suspected to be among items transported on a truck carrying carbine.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and ownership of the explosive materials.

He disclosed that the vehicle involved came from Yobe State, though further details remain unclear.

“Preliminary findings suggest the explosive material was being transported by a trailer coming from Yobe, but it remains unclear whether the vehicle was carrying military personnel or civilians,” he said.

Bakori added that security agencies were still trying to confirm the exact cause of the explosion and whether the vehicle belonged to the military or private individuals.

He urged the public to remain calm as security operatives continue their investigation.

“The facts will be clearer once the investigation is completed,” he noted.

The injured victims were taken to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), where five were confirmed dead, and 10 others are currently receiving treatment.

The Commissioner said it was still unknown whether any security personnel were among the casualties but assured that the police would conduct a thorough probe into the matter.

“The police are working to identify the cause of the explosion and determine the extent of the damage,” he said, promising to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.