Uba Sani

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has granted clemency to 27 inmates serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

The latest intervention brings the number of inmates who have benefited from clemency initiatives under Sani’s administration to more than 500 since he assumed office in 2023.

The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

According to the statement, the intervention involved the release of eligible inmates as well as the payment of fines and compensation for victims. The Kaduna State Government has committed more than N300m to fines and compensation since 2023.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip, said the latest exercise was part of the governor’s practice of extending clemency to deserving inmates during major national occasions.

Kanyip said similar exercises had been carried out during New Year, Democracy Day and previous Independence Day celebrations.

He explained that the prerogative of mercy was exercised through established legal processes, with consideration given to accountability, rehabilitation and the responsibilities attached to freedom.

“The beneficiaries are expected to return to society with a renewed sense of responsibility and appreciation of their obligations to others,” Kanyip said.

He said the government’s intervention also addressed financial barriers that could prevent eligible inmates from regaining their freedom.

According to him, the payment of fines and compensation added a restorative justice component to the clemency exercise by recognising the interests of victims while supporting the reintegration of deserving inmates.

“Public safety, human dignity, rehabilitation, and the possibility of redemption should form part of the administration of justice,” he added.

The state government said the clemency initiative would also give beneficiaries an opportunity to reconnect with their families and communities and rebuild their lives.

It reaffirmed its commitment to rehabilitation, reconciliation and the reintegration of deserving inmates while maintaining a justice system that protects society and recognises the interests of victims.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kaduna State Government says it has regained control of more than 500,000 hectares of land previously occupied by bandits across the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this on Sunday at a gala night hosted by his ministry for members of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

The journalists were in Kaduna for their 2026 Retreat, which focused on “2027 General Elections: Navigating Legal, Security and Ethical Challenges in the Media.”

Maiyaki said the recovery of the affected areas had improved the security situation and allowed farmers who were previously prevented from accessing their farms to return to agricultural activities.

He said, “I’m happy to tell you that the present administration under the able leadership of Governor Uba Sani has, within the past three years, recovered over 500,000 hectares of land from bandits.

“As you know, without security you cannot achieve anything. Before now, farmers in such areas were unable to go to their farms due to the activities of the bandits.”

According to the commissioner, insecurity had previously disrupted movement between Kaduna and Abuja, with some travellers avoiding the route because of attacks by bandits.

“I’m happy to say that that has now become a thing of the past because the security situation in Kaduna State has greatly improved,” the commissioner said.

Maiyaki maintained that security remained central to the state government’s development agenda, describing it as a foundation for economic and social progress.

He also highlighted the government’s interventions in agriculture, saying 500 trucks of fertiliser were distributed free of charge to more than 150,000 farmers during the 2026 farming season.

“In 2024, the government distributed 400 trucks of fertiliser to farmers free of charge. Similarly, 500 trucks of the commodity were distributed in 2025 in addition to the 500 trucks distributed to over 150,000 farmers in 2026,” he said.

On education, Maiyaki said the number of out-of-school children in the state had dropped from 550,000 to 187,000.

He added that the state government purchased 100 compressed natural gas buses in July 2025 to provide cheaper transportation for students and civil servants.

“From July 2025, no fewer than 3.5 million people have been transported with the vehicles, and nothing less than N3.8m has been saved for people.

“Even the Nigeria Labour Congress has confirmed that workers have saved 40 per cent of their income since the introduction of the CNG buses,” he added.

The Chairman of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Murtala Adewale, commended the Kaduna State Government for hosting the gala night.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has declared his support for the re-election bids of President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Musa made his position known on Friday during a meeting with local government coordinators of GCG Musawah 4 PBAT 2027, a political mobilisation group in Kaduna State.

The meeting brought the minister together with mobilisers from the state’s 23 local government areas as well as representatives of more than 300 affiliated interest groups.

According to a statement by the group’s Secretary, James Swam, Musa urged members to sustain their mobilisation efforts in support of Tinubu and Sani.

He also called for greater commitment to the development of the country, stressing that Nigerians could achieve more through unity and collective effort.

“I will continue to work hard for Nigeria to succeed,” Musa said.

“We should remain determined to build this country because together we are stronger as a nation.”

The defence minister also spoke about the importance of religious tolerance, national unity and peaceful coexistence, citing his childhood experience in Sokoto State.

“I grew up in Sokoto; there is no way I can object to any religion,” he said.

Musa recalled celebrating Sallah with Muslim friends and neighbours during his childhood.

“I remember that during Sallah, as children, we were the ones who would hold the ram to be slaughtered,” he said.

He further argued that Nigeria possesses sufficient human and material resources to achieve significant development if citizens remain united and dedicated to the country’s progress.

“God put us in Nigeria to build this country, and we have the capacity to do it, both in human and material resources,” Musa stated.

The minister urged Nigerians to regard the task of developing the country as a shared responsibility, regardless of their religious or other differences.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has announced the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Mr. Jerry Adams, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

The governor made the announcement in a statement issued on Tuesday. He said the decision followed extensive consultations, careful reflection and prayers. He added that the nomination reflects his administration’s commitment to justice, equity, competence and inclusive governance.

According to Uba Sani, the choice goes beyond selecting a deputy governorship candidate. He said it represents the core values that have shaped his administration since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

“This decision is far greater than the selection of a deputy governorship candidate. It is a reaffirmation of the values that have guided our administration since I took the oath of office on 29 May 2023; the values of inclusion, justice, fairness, equity and the unwavering conviction that every citizen of Kaduna State deserves a genuine sense of belonging.”


The governor described Kaduna’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity as one of the state’s greatest assets. He said his administration has pursued policies that encourage unity, dialogue and balanced development across all parts of the state.

He also stated that government projects in roads, education, healthcare, water supply, agriculture, rural development and social protection have reached all 23 local government areas. He said the approach aims to ensure that every community benefits from government interventions.

Uba Sani further noted that continuous engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups, women and youth organisations has strengthened peace-building efforts. He said the engagement has also improved security and renewed the confidence of farmers, businesses and investors.

The governor praised Adams as an experienced public servant and tax administrator. He said the KADIRS chairman has transformed the state’s revenue agency through effective leadership.

He credited Adams with improving Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue through innovation, transparency and professionalism. He added that the increase in revenue has enabled the government to invest more in key sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and agriculture.

Uba Sani also described his running mate as a man of integrity, humility and competence. He said the nomination demonstrates his administration’s commitment to merit, character and inclusive leadership.

He urged residents of Kaduna State to view the development as an opportunity to strengthen unity and shared prosperity instead of focusing on religious, ethnic or regional differences.

“As we look towards 2027, I invite every son and daughter of Kaduna State to see this moment not through the narrow prism of religion, ethnicity or geography, but through the broader vision of the Kaduna we are building together; a Kaduna where every child can dream without fear, every community can flourish, every faith is respected and every citizen has an equal stake in our common future,” he said.


The governor expressed confidence that his administration has established a strong foundation for a more peaceful, secure and prosperous Kaduna State. He pledged to build on its achievements and continue implementing policies that promote unity, fairness and sustainable development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kaduna State Police Command has arraigned 24 suspects in connection with the killing of a woman accused of child theft in the Maraban Jos area of the state.

The suspects appeared before a magistrate court sitting at the NDA Junction in Kaduna, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the police spokesperson, Mansir Hassan.

The incident occurred on Sunday after a mob allegedly attacked the woman over claims that she stole a child.

Hassan said the police received a distress call about the attack despite the absence of evidence to support the allegation against the victim.

According to him, the divisional police officer in the area led a team of officers to the scene and rescued the woman before taking her to the police station for protection and investigation.

He, however, said the mob later stormed the station, overpowered officers on duty and forcefully took the woman away before killing her and setting her body ablaze.

The police spokesperson said the suspects are facing charges that include criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, destruction of public and police property, mischief and culpable homicide.

Hassan added that the court adjourned the matter until July 21 for further hearing. He said the suspects were remanded in a correctional facility pending the outcome of the case.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government described the arraignment as a positive move toward justice and respect for the rule of law.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, praised the Kaduna police command for what he called swift action in prosecuting those linked to the incident.

“Governor Uba Sani’s administration will not tolerate any form of mob action or jungle justice. We urge residents to always report suspected criminal activities to security agencies and allow the law to take its course,” the commissioner said.

“Anyone found taking the law into their own hands will face the full consequences of the law, regardless of status or affiliation.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has assured residents that his administration will not demolish any structure or dispossess citizens of their properties without paying fair and adequate compensation.

He also pledged that the state government would not rely on the excuse of “overriding public interest” to remove property owners in the course of executing development projects.

The governor made this known during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of compensation cheques to 189 households affected by the Rigasa township road project. The event took place in Rigasa on Wednesday.

Uba Sani recalled that the groundbreaking for the Makera Road, Lokoja Road, Ado Gwaram Road, and Asmau Makarfi Spur projects was carried out on 12 September 2025. He explained that work has moved forward steadily. According to him, “drainage systems and hydraulic structures were constructed. Earthworks advanced appreciably along key sections.”

He noted, however, that the government encountered a moral concern because residential buildings, businesses, and key service facilities were located within the project’s right-of-way.

The governor stated that he directed that “construction be temporarily slowed to allow for a thorough, transparent, and equitable assessment of all affected properties and utilities.”

He added that his administration has “resolved that no citizen would be made to suffer unjustly in the name of development.”

Reaffirming his stance, he said, “we will not cloak expediency in the language of ‘Overriding Public Interest.’ Public interest must never eclipse private rights without restitution.”

The governor stressed that fairness has guided his leadership since he assumed office. He said, “Since 29th May 2023, when we took the oath of office, our guiding principle has been clear: governance must be anchored in justice, tempered by compassion, and executed with integrity.

“Roads, bridges, and public works may define the physical landscape of a state, but it is fairness and empathy that define its moral landscape.”

During the event, cheques were presented to affected homeowners to enable them “to relocate, rebuild, or reorganize their lives with dignity.”

He expressed appreciation for their patience and cooperation. He emphasized that “this is not charity; it is justice fulfilled.”

Uba Sani further explained that the exercise reflects a consistent policy across the state. He disclosed that “across Kaduna State, we have compensated approximately 120 households in Mahuta on the Rabah Road project.”

He added that the government had also paid compensation to “282 households from Magajiya to Albarkawa in Zaria; 14 households from Audi to Kako.”

The governor continued that 86 households along the Dogon Bauchi to Kakiyeyi link and 33 households on the Kabala Costain corridor had received payments. He concluded that “in total, we have disbursed about N2.85 billion in compensation.”

By Uzair Adam

The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as false and politically driven the allegation that the current administration paid N1bn to bandits, describing the claim as unfounded and damaging.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the government gave the former governor a one-week ultimatum to present verifiable evidence or publicly withdraw the allegation, insisting that failure to comply would result in legal action.

The former governor had, during a recent appearance on Channels Television, alleged that the state paid bandits as part of its security engagements.

Responding to the claim, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs described the allegation as reckless, baseless and deliberately misleading.

The statement criticised the former governor for weaponising a sensitive security matter for political purposes, adding that such action falls below the standard expected of someone who previously held the highest office in the state.

The government demanded that the allegation be retracted and an unreserved apology issued within one week, warning that the state would initiate legal proceedings to protect public order and institutional integrity should the ultimatum be ignored.

It stressed that the governor has never authorised, negotiated or paid any amount to criminal groups, a position repeatedly made clear in interviews, press briefings and engagements with stakeholders.

The statement also recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser had earlier dismissed similar claims as unfounded and inconsistent with Nigeria’s security practices, reaffirming that neither the Federal Government nor state governments pay ransom to criminal elements.

Highlighting its security approach, the Kaduna State Government stated that it has adopted a community-focused strategy anchored on stronger military operations, deeper engagement with legitimate community leaders and improved access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

It emphasised that the state engages with communities—not bandits.Grassroots groups, including those from areas most affected by insecurity during the former governor’s tenure, have also rejected the allegation, describing it as misleading and untrue.

The statement further referenced past accusations made by senior officials of the former administration, suggesting that public funds were used to appease certain groups, making the current allegation particularly paradoxical.

Since taking office, the governor has prioritised stabilising vulnerable communities, reopening schools, markets and farmlands and rebuilding trust among previously divided groups.

The government urged former officials to exercise restraint and support ongoing efforts to sustain peace.

Challenging the former governor to present credible evidence—such as bank records, internal correspondence or security documents—the government noted that similar claims made in September 2025 were never backed with proof.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible security management, the Kaduna State Government said it would not be distracted by bitterness, fear-mongering or deliberate misinformation.

By Anwar Usman

The Kaduna State Police Command has announced the rescue of 17 trafficked children and arrested three suspected child traffickers.

This was revealed by DSP Mansir Hassan, the spokesperson of the command, in a statement on November 12, 2025, following credible intelligence on suspicious movements of children under the Danmagaji Flyover in Zaria, detectives from Danmagaji Division swiftly swung into action, leading to the rescue of the children.

The rescued children were allegedly being prepared for trafficking to Abuja and other parts of the country and beyond.

Three suspects apprehended in connection with the incident include Musa Shuaibu, 21, a native of Funtua, Katsina; Sani Mamman, 23, from Ingawa, Katsina State; and Mubarak Ismail, 20, from Unguwa Uku, Kano State.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to having brought the children from different locations and were in the process of transporting them to Abuja before their arrest.

All the rescued children are underage and were found in good health, who are currently under the care and protection of the police command, as efforts continue to locate and reunite them with their parents or guardians.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions of Kaduna State (JUTIKS) has suspended its indefinite strike, bringing relief to students and staff across the state’s polytechnics and colleges of education.

The industrial action, which began on September 30, 2025, was called off on Monday, October 20, 2025, following a meeting between union leaders and the State Governor.

The strike was initiated to demand the implementation of a new CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary structure, which had been stagnant for over 16 years, and the extension of the 65-year retirement age to include non-teaching staff.

According to a statement released by JUTIKS Chairman, Comrade Usman Shehu Suleiman, the Governor approved key demands during a meeting on October 17, 2025.

The government agreed to implement 70% of the 2024 CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary structure, effective from the October 2025 payroll, and to include non-teaching staff in the 65-year retirement age policy.

“In view of the above, the leadership of JUTIKS hereby suspends the indefinite strike action with effect from today,” the statement read, directing all member unions to comply with the directive.

The union also expressed gratitude to its members for their “support and resilience” during the three-week strike.

Academic and non-academic activities are expected to resume immediately across the affected institutions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, has approved a new salary structure for three major tertiary institutions in the state.

The approval covers academic and non-academic staff of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, the Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, and the College of Education, Gidan Waya.

This decision brings to an end a 15-year-long struggle by the staff of these institutions, who have been demanding a review of their remuneration package.

The new salary structure is expected to align their pay with contemporary economic realities and improve morale.

While the specific details of the new salary scale were not immediately released, the approval is seen as a major victory for the educational sector in the state and a fulfillment of the government’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce.