Katsina State

By Uzair Adam 

The Katsina State Government has confirmed that the winner of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, Abdulsalam Rabiu-Faskari, along with his father and brother, remains in the custody of their abductors.  

In a statement issued on Friday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, clarified that contrary to some media reports, the victims were still alive.  

Rabiu-Faskari, an ABU final-year medical student, was kidnapped alongside his father and brother two days ago while returning to Faskari from Katsina, shortly after being honored by Governor Dikko Radda for his outstanding performance in the competition held in Kebbi.  

The commissioner noted that Rabiu-Faskari was set to represent Nigeria at the upcoming international edition of the competition.  

“The government has been made aware of reports suggesting that the young scholar was killed by his abductors. However, the latest information reaching us confirms that he and his family members are alive and in captivity,” Salisu-Zango stated.  

He further revealed that the kidnappers were demanding N30 million for their release.  

Governor Radda condemned the abduction, describing it as unfortunate and assuring that efforts were underway to secure the victims’ safe return.  

“My heart is with the victims, their family, relatives, and friends. We pray for their safe release. The government is taking concrete steps to ensure their rescue,” Radda said.  

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts in tracking down the kidnappers while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to addressing the security challenges in the state.  

The governor also called on the public to offer prayers for the safety of Rabiu-Faskari and other abductees.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a couple, Baba Sule Abubakar Sadiq and Hafsat Kabir Lawal, along with two others, Abdullahi Bala and Ladani Akindele, for allegedly defrauding victims of ₦197,750,000 by impersonating the Katsina First Lady, Fatima Dikko Radda. They were charged before Justice Amina Bello of the Kaduna State High Court on March 10, 2025, for obtaining money by false pretense, money laundering, and stealing.

The EFCC alleged that Hafsat posed as the Katsina First Lady to deceive victims into a fake currency exchange deal. She and her accomplices allegedly obtained ₦89 million from a victim under the pretense of exchanging it for $53,300, with the funds deposited into Abdullahi Bala’s account. Investigations further revealed that her husband, Sadiq, provided her with SIM cards registered under the name “Fatima Dikko Radda” on Truecaller to aid the scheme.

All defendants pleaded not guilty. The EFCC’s counsel, Bright C. Ogbonna, opposed their bail applications, arguing they were not yet ready for hearing. Justice Bello ordered their remand in a correctional facility and adjourned the case to March 17, 2025, for the hearing of bail applications.

The EFCC stated that Hafsat fraudulently collected a total of ₦197.75 million from a bureau de change operator, claiming to have $118,300 to sell. The funds were allegedly laundered through various means. The case continues as the EFCC pushes for justice.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic kidnapping of one of its members, Abdussalam Rabi’u Faskari, a 300-level MBBS student. 

The incident, which also involved two members of his family, occurred as they traveled home from the Government House of Katsina State.

Abdussalam, known for his academic excellence and deep religious commitment, is not just a promising medical student but also an accomplished Islamic scholar. 

He is an Imam at the College of Medical Sciences mosque. He also secured the first position in the 60Hizb category at the last National Musabaqa (Qur’anic competition).

The MSSN community, along with the wider Muslim ummah, is now calling for fervent prayers for his safe return, as well as for other victims of similar tragedies. 

The statement from MSSN urged all students to remain steadfast in their faith, emphasizing that “with hardship comes ease” (Qur’an 94:6).

This unfortunate event is part of the growing security crisis affecting Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become alarmingly frequent. 

Calls for more decisive government intervention and lasting security solutions continue to mount as families and communities grapple with these distressing incidents.

By Anwar Usman

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Katsina Command, has killed four suspected terrorists in the Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.

This was confirmed in a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Buhari Hamisu, on Monday, stating that two separate attacks were foiled.

According to him, operatives repelled an attack by suspected armed bandits who stormed the permanent site of the Federal University Dutsinma on February 21.

“The gallant men of the NSCDC attached to the university successfully neutralized three criminals, including the notorious Ayuba Buzaru, who stormed the institution using it as their route”.

The spokesperson further revealed that the team also rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered some rustled goats.

He added that NSCDC personnel, in a joint operation with the police, repelled another attack on Sunday, February 23, at the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve (Silo) in Darawa.

NAN reports that the bodies of the suspected criminals had been deposited at General Hospital Dutsinma.

“The armed bandits have been attempting to attack the silo, which stores grains distributed to people in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto,” he added.

The corps personnel also dispersed another group of suspected armed bandits at Gago Village, near Isah Kaita College of Education in Dutsinma.

“The command remains dedicated to promoting safety and security for the people of the state and Nigeria as a whole while protecting critical national assets and infrastructure,” he said.

By Ibrahiym A. El-Caleel

Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda won the 2023 Katsina State gubernatorial elections and has since taken office. However, he seems to struggle with the transition from CEO of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to his new role. He keeps lecturing the youths on entrepreneurship, telling them that there are no jobs. He would always tell them why being a worker is a misfortune in today’s world. Surprisingly, he is never caught on tape talking about the key role of the government in entrepreneurship.

This society has normalized throwing jibes at salaried workers. People who despise salaried employees behave as if they are the next smartest people on earth since Albert Einstein while in reality, there is nothing spectacular in this. It is a tepid argument, and when Nigerian leaders do it, it reflects their reluctance to take responsibility for the economic challenges we face.

One significant reason for the current suffering of Nigerians is the systemic push of workers into poverty. Despite advancements in technology, automation, and artificial intelligence, no national economy thrives without the contributions of workers. Even if entrepreneurs automate production and supply chains, consumption remains a human necessity. Who will buy the products? Machines? No, it is people- primarily workers- who drive consumption. So, when anyone is throwing jibes at these employees, I usually imagine what planet they come from.

Let us return to Dr Radda and other Arewa leaders who always want to deliver free lectures on entrepreneurship. It is crucial to note that no business thrives in a commercially toxic environment. How have these Arewa leaders been able to create a conducive environment for business? They have always been in the business of blame games and never taking leadership responsibility seriously. This is exactly why it is easy today for President Tinubu and his Tax Boys to tell them they are rejecting his proposed VAT sharing formula because they have lazied around for too long, earning more Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) than they actually deserve.

We have vast fields of arable land, yet companies like Nestle who need maize and soya beans prefer to set up their factories in Lagos. We have cattle that FrieslandCampina and Promasidor would ordinarily obtain fresh milk from through modern animal farming processes. However, these companies are based in Lagos because the north is either faced with farmers-herders clash on Monday, or fighting bandits on Tuesday, or discovering Lakurawa by Wednesday. Which multinational company will waste its time, energy and resources building a business in such an environment? This is why they prefer to be based in South-West, then buy these raw materials from up north and transport them for processing and ship some of it back to the north for consumption.

I will not discuss why 19 northern states believe they are okay with this type of poor electricity supply over the years. Your Kano and Kaduna textiles are dead; reptiles now live where we had textile machines and very many workers running shifts. Even on the planet Saturn, they are aware that no development happens without electricity in this modern age. But since Arewa leaders know an alternative way to do this, let us keep waiting for the miracle. I am sure it is very close to happening. Sokoto is just an inch away from advancing like South Korea, since Kaduna is already competing with Silicone Valley!

The other day, Dr Radda’s tape was virally circulated. He was still talking about workers, and how an Indomie Joint vendor earns better monthly income than them. The irony is that on 23 November, 2024, Daily Trust wrote a report that this type of business is crumbling. They cited that the astronomical rise in the prices of egg, milk, noodles and bread is telling on the business. Nigerians can no longer afford this. These food items have become a luxury to the who used to consume them. It is a pointer to the fact that people are getting poorer.

This was not always the case in Nigeria. Workers began suffering after Buhari did his trial and error economics for eight solid years, and now Tinubu is here to shut down the economy finally so that everyone can go and rest in their graves. Otherwise, ten years ago (2014 to be specific), a salaried worker on a minimum age of N18,900 could afford to buy a 50kg bag of foreign rice at N7,500 which he could feed his family for at least three months. He would still have the remainder of this salary which will at least cover his transportation to work. The political class destroyed this. The same political class which Katsina state governor belongs to.

In my opinion, the governor should realize that it is no longer the SMEDAN days. All Nigerians cannot be entrepreneurs. In every real national economy, the workers are always far more than the entrepreneurs. The earlier he and members of his social class come together to chart a sustainable economic plan for the north, the better for all of us. The South-West governors who have created economically viable environment are not begging their citizens to go into entrepreneurship. The citizens are identifying the opportunities already. When you put your house in order, you don’t need to tell anyone to start a business. People will naturally see the opportunities. This is why the South-West is ahead. It is not magic. They are deliberate about developing their environment, and this is a good one. Had other leaders developed their regions in a similar manner, we would not be fighting over the VAT sharing formula.

Arewa’s economic recovery starts from reviving the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) Limited to be what the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello meant it to be. Arewa governors should give politics a break and focus on governance by revitalizing the NNDC and truly investing in that company. NNDC was a big dream to save this region from the economic mess it has found itself today.

Sardauna was visionary and NNDC actually delivered on its objectives for decades before the Arewa governors class of 1999 to date decided to watch it die a slow and painful death, folding their arms and waiting for oil royalties from the newly found Kolmani oil in Gombe or Bauchi State. Arewa leaders should wake up and save this region. It is their responsibility. It is not the responsibility of Tinubu or FG or anyone. But your Excellency, please, allow workers to face their predicament. They were never in this situation until your political class decided to make them poor through extreme taxation and careless policies that spiked inflation to all record high. Therefore, if you cannot help them, you do not need to add insult to their injury.

El-Caleel writes from Kaduna State

By Anas Abbas

President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the government and people of Katsina State following the death of Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi, the Maradin Katsina and district head of Kurfi. 

Alhaji Kurfi, a distinguished elder statesman, was renowned for his significant contributions to public service throughout his career. Notably, he served as the executive secretary of the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO), playing a crucial role in overseeing Nigeria’s transition to democratic rule in 1979.

President Tinubu praised Kurfi’s exemplary dedication to the nation and humanity, urging current public servants to reflect on the legacy he has left behind.

The President also offered prayers for the eternal peace of the late elder statesman and extended his deepest sympathies to Kurfi’s family during this difficult time.

The passing of Alhaji Kurfi marks a significant loss for Katsina State and the nation as a whole.

By Anwar Usman

The Katsina State Police Command has assured the public that it has taken the necessary measures to ensure the planned nationwide Fearless October 1st protest does not descend into chaos.

This follows concerns raised due to previous violent protests, including the recent nationwide demonstrations against bad governance, which resulted in the loss of lives and property worth billions of naira.

ASP Abubakar Sadiq, who is the Police Public Relations Officer in Katsina, made this known to journalists on Saturday evening.

He said the command has mobilized both human and intelligence resources to guarantee safety before, during, and after the protest.

He further explained that, “We have taken proactive measures to ensure public safety and security. Adequate personnel have been deployed to prevent any breakdown of law and order, with enhanced intelligence gathering, surveillance, and patrols across the state.

“While we recognise the rights of citizens to protest, we urge protesters to exercise these rights responsibly and within the framework of the law.”

By Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia

On the 10^th of June 2020 at about 5 pm, armed bandits stormed Kadisau village of Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State. The bandits, who came on dozens of motorcycles, opened fire on the villagers, killing anyone unable to escape alive. Fifty-seven people, including men, women and children, were killed in the operation that lasted four hours with no intervention from Federal security forces, who were said to be on the highway 5 kilometres away. The criminals later moved to nearby villages, where they killed an additional 30 people.

Ado Aleru, a well-known bandit commander in Zamfara state, led the bandits. Katsina state police command later declared Ado Aleru wanted and put a price of five million Naira on his head.

Two years later, precisely on Saturday, 16^th July 2022, Nigerians were shocked to hear that the man responsible for the murder of innocent Nigerian women and children was turbaned with a traditional title in Zamfara state. 

The turbaning of Aleru was a gathering of some of the most deadly criminals responsible for acts of terror in the Northwestern and North central geopolitical zones of Nigeria. On the ground to witness the ceremony were officials of the Zamfara State Government, including the state Commissioner of internal security. In other words, the turbaning was done with the knowledge and approval of the State Government under Governor Bello Matawalle. Surprisingly, some senior police officers graced the occasion without arresting the person they declared wanted two years earlier.

Soon after the ceremony, the Katsina State Government under Aminu Bello Masari indicated its disapproval of the chieftaincy title conferred on the criminal. It maintained that it was still looking for Ado Aleru.

Years later, nothing changed. The centre remained weak, and life continued. However, the people of Zamfara did what was needed by voting Matawalle out of power in the 2023 election.

If the only atrocity the former Governor of Zamfara State committed was facilitating the conferment of a traditional title to such a deadly criminal, he deserves retirement from Nigerian politics and prosecution after office. Alas! He was rewarded with a ministerial position in the ministry that is supposed to rid Nigeria of terrorists like Ado Aleru. Only in Nigeria. Allah Ya sauwake.

Recently, additional allegations have been made about how the then-governor of Zamfara state hobnobbed with bandits and supported them with the lean resources of the Zamfara people. I am referring to a viral video of a Sokoto-based Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Murtala Bello Asada. Asada, who claimed that he had incontrovertible evidence on all his claims against the former Governor, challenged Matawalle to take him to court. 

Among the allegations Sheikh Asada made against Matawalle is his support of one Haruna Dole. According to Asada, Haruna, a famous bandit kingpin with more than 500 rifles under him, was arrested and taken to Police Headquarters Abuja. Sheikh Asada added that Bello Matawalle, as the Governor of Zamfara state, made a phone call and asked for Dole’s release. The criminal was released to one Bashar, who signed and received the bandit on behalf of Governor Matawalle. He said the document carrying Bashar’s signature and picture would still be available at the Force Headquarters.

According to Sheikh Asada, Matawalle is also a friend of the dreaded bandit Bello Turji. Asada mentioned a visit Turji paid to Zamfara State Government House when Matawalle was Governor. Turji had lunch with the governor, who served him personally. Later, the governor gave him an undisclosed amount of cash and allowed him to return to the bush to continue his criminal activities.

Another bandit kingpin who was friends with Matawalle was Chedi. According to Asada, Matawalle bought a house for Chedi in the Gidan Dutse quarters of Gusau. Uncomfortable with it, residents of Gusau protested and made a mob attack on Chedi and ended his life. Matawalle then ordered the arrest of several people. On the day of their arraignment, overwhelming crowds of Gusau people stormed the court, and Matawalle had no choice but to order the release of the people. It ended there.

In addition to all these, Sheikh Asada listed some criminals who allegedly received Hilux operational vehicles from Matawalle when he was Governor. They include Turji, Aleru and Halilu Sububu.

The allegations are weighty and sum up to one thing: the current Minister of State of Defence deployed to the North West by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fight banditry, an alleged friend of bandits who supports them financially.

The position of anybody interested in protecting the lives and property of Nigerians would be clear. Mr President should investigate these allegations and, if found true, prosecute the former Governor. Yes, allegations are allegations until they are investigated and found to be true. But if the Nigerian government refuses to conduct a transparent investigation, what would prevent Nigerians from believing them?

But even as investigations are carried out, Mr Matawalle has no business remaining in the Ministry of Defence. Maybe another ministry.

If the executive branch is not ready to take action, where is our National Assembly? Do they believe these allegations against a government official in charge of fighting security are not serious? Go figure!

Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote from Kano via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Hajiya Dada Yar’adua, the mother of Nigeria’s former president, the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua, has passed away.

She died on Monday evening at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina after a short illness.

Hajiya Dada was also the mother of the late Shehu Musa Yar’adua and Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Army.

The family is expected to announce the burial arrangements at a later date.

By Uzair Adam

The Katsina State Police Command has debunked claims circulating in a viral video that a police officer shot and killed a colleague during recent protests against bad governance in the state.

The video, shared widely on X, shows a security agent allegedly shot by a police officer while dispersing protesters in Katsina. The agent is seen lying motionless on the ground, sparking outrage and concern.

In a statement to the press, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Katsina State clarified that the video was “manipulated and taken out of context.”

The PPRO identified the individual in the video as an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who sustained injuries from an accident during the protest, not from a gunshot.

“The fact is that the security agent shown in the video is an officer of the NSCDC who fell from a patrol vehicle due to an accident involving the vehicle at the scene of the protest.

He was immediately rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital (formerly Federal Medical Centre), Katsina, where he was treated and discharged,” the PPRO explained.

Katsina State Police Commissioner, CP Aliyu Musa, reiterated that no fatalities were recorded during the protest.

He urged the public to prioritize accuracy and verify information through official channels.

“We call on members of the public to disregard this misinformation and always verify information through official channels,” CP Musa stated.

He reassured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state, in collaboration with other security agencies.