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Tag: Kano State

  • Gov Yusuf sacks 2 aides over alleged misconduct

    Gov Yusuf sacks 2 aides over alleged misconduct

    Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved the dismissal of two Senior Special Assistants, Abubakar Sharada and Tasiu Al’amin Roba, over alleged misconduct.

    The dismissed aides were implicated in separate cases, including facilitating the bail of notorious drug baron Sulaiman Danwawu and diverting palliative grains meant for the public.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the State Government, Musa Tanko, on Saturday in Kano.

    Concerning Sharada, the Senior Special Assistant on Political Mobilisation, was accused of masterminding the bail of the drug baron.

    He has been directed to hand over all government properties in his care by Aug. 11.

    Roba, the Senior Special Assistant, Cabinet Office, was arrested for rebagging palliative grains at a warehouse in Sharada in 2024.

    He is currently facing charges of theft and criminal conspiracy and has been ordered to return all government properties, including his identity card, by Aug. 11.

    Both aides have been cautioned against parading themselves as public officials under the current administration.

    “By this statement, the general public is advised not to engage the two sacked political appointees on any issue related to the Kano State Government. Whoever does that, he or she does it at his or her own risk,” the statement added.

    In a related development, the state government exonerated Musa Tsamiya, Special Adviser on Drainage, who was cleared of all allegations by an investigative committee and affirmed his innocence.

    The government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to discipline, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption, warning all public officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity, both in their official duties and private lives.

  • Kano Govt. approves N14bn for capital projects

    Kano Govt. approves N14bn for capital projects

    The Kano State Executive Council has approved N14.8 billion for the execution of various developmental projects across the state.

    The Commissioner for Information and Strategies, Mr Ibrahim Waiya, disclosed this while addressing newsmen on Friday in Kano.

    He said that N364 million is earmarked for the renovation and rehabilitation of the Sabo Bakin Zuwo maternity hospital in Jakara.

    According to him, N294 million is for the general renovation of existing infrastructure at the School of Health Technology, Bebeji.

    The commissioner explained that N113 million is for the supply and installation of solar energy systems to five maternity facilities across the state.

    “We are spending over N 112 million for the Supply of Drugs and Consumables to Hasiya Bayero, Murtala Muhammad, and Yadakunya hospitals.

    He said that the sum of ₦272 million is for the renovation and rehabilitation of newly procured House at Zango Quarters, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.

    The commissioner said that the Supply of working materials to two newly renovated wards at the Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching hospital would gulp N128 million.

    Waiya said N379 million will be used for the general renovation and construction of an additional facility at the Zakirai Primary Health Care Centre.

    He said that the council also approved the sum of N 310 million for the settlement for the Supply of 120,000 litres of diesel and 17,000 litres of PMS in February 2025.

    The commissioner further said that the rehabilitation of five mini earth dams in Madobi, Gwarzo, Garun Malam, Kibiya and  Ajingi would cost  N169 million.

    In addition to the approvals for capital projects, the Council also considered and approved a policy matter of significant fiscal relevance.

    The commissioner said that the Council ratified the 2025 Proposed Supplementary and Amendment Budget to the tune of ₦889.277, reflecting an upward adjustment of ₦169.522 over the originally approved budget of ₦719.755.

    “The supplementary appropriation is aimed at strengthening the capacity of the government to deliver on its core mandates and emerging obligations.

    “The council has directed the immediate transmission of the proposed supplementary budget to the Kano State House of Assembly for legislative action and passage into law,“he said.

  • 51.9% of Kano children stunted by malnutrition – UNICEF

    51.9% of Kano children stunted by malnutrition – UNICEF

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concern over the nutritional status of children in Kano State, revealing that 51.9 per cent of children are stunted.

    The UNICEF Chief of Field Office Kano, Mr Rahma Farah, stated this during the official handover of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) held at Takai Local Government Area of Kano.

    The Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food was procured through a joint government and UNICEF Child Nutrition Match Fund initiative.

    Farah, represented by Dr Serekeberehan Deres, Health Manager, UNICEF Field Office Kano, noted that the figure implies that one in every two children in the state is not growing well due to chronic malnutrition.

    He also said that over 10 per cent of children in the state were wasted, a condition in which a child was too thin for their height, often as a result of recent and severe weight loss.

    The health manager warned that wasting significantly increases the risk of death if not treated promptly, adding that child malnutrition remains a major public health concern that requires urgent attention from all stakeholders.

    Farah called for increased investment in nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions, particularly during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

    He urged the government, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders to scale up actions to combat malnutrition, particularly through improved access to nutrition services, education, clean water and healthcare.

    According to him, investment in child nutrition is one of the most cost-effective interventions for national development.

    Earlier, the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, said the government was committed to improving child nutrition and had recently launched programmes targeting maternal and child health.

    Labaran promised that the state would continue to partner with UNICEF and other development partners to reduce malnutrition rates and improve child survival and development indicators.

    Malnutrition remains a major contributor to child mortality and poor educational outcomes in Nigeria, especially in the northern part of the country.

  • Kano Transport Commissioner resigns over controversy

    Kano Transport Commissioner resigns over controversy

    ‎The Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, Alhaji Ibrahim Namadi has resigned from his position just hours after Governor Abba Yusuf received the report of the investigative committee probing his involvement in the controversial bail of a suspected drug baron, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu.

    According to a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, t‎his development is regarded as a significant step in the administration’s ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency, and public accountability.

    Tofa disclosed in the statement that the Commissioner explained that his decision to resign was made in the overriding public interest and in the light of the sensitive nature of the matter.

    ‎‎“As a member of an administration that has consistently championed the fight against the sales and consumption of illicit drugs, it behoves me to take this step, painful as it may be.

    ‎‎”While I maintain my innocence, I cannot ignore the weight of public perception and the need to protect the values we have collectively built,” he stated.

    ‎‎Alhaji Namadi expressed his profound appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the state, reaffirming his dedication to the principles of good governance and responsible leadership.

    ‎‎“I must, as a good citizen, strive to protect, preserve, and uphold the trust and vision we have worked so hard to instil in our dear state. I remain loyal to the ideals that brought this administration into office,” he added.

    ‎‎Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has graciously accepted the resignation and wished the former Commissioner success in his future endeavours. He also reiterated his administration’s unwavering stance on justice, discipline, and the fight against drug-related crimes and social vices affecting the youth and the broader society.

    The Governor further stressed the need for all political appointees to always reason with caution on sensitive matters and  obtain permission from the higher authority anytime they are about to engage themselves on issues of public interest.

  • Man caned 50 strokes for stealing in Kano

    Man caned 50 strokes for stealing in Kano

    A Sharia Court in Kano on Friday ordered that a 35-year-old man, Sabiu Abdullahi, be given 50 strokes of the cane for stealing five pieces of roofing sheets.

    The defendant, who lives at Mariri Quarters, Kano, was charged with trespass and theft, contrary to Sections 134 and 287 of the Kano State Penal Code Law.

    He, however, pleaded guilty to the offence.

    The Prosecution Counsel, Zahradeen Abubakar, told the court that one Anas Yakubu of Tamburawa Quarters reported the matter at the Mariri Police Station on July 21.

    Abubakar said the defendant unlawfully trespassed into the complainant’s residence in his absence and stole the roofing sheets.

    In his ruling, the Judge of the court, Malam Umar Lawal, ordered that the defendant be given 50 strokes of the cane.

  • NAFDAC destroys 491, 000 seized tramadol tablets in Kano

    NAFDAC destroys 491, 000 seized tramadol tablets in Kano

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday destroyed 491,000 tablets of seized Tramadol 225mg in Kano to safeguard public health in Nigeria.

    Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, supervised the destruction on behalf of the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

    Adeyeye said the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Command intercepted the consignment when some unscrupulous elements attempted to smuggle it into Nigeria.

    “On May 28, 2025, the NCS, headed by Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, successfully intercepted the consignment,” she said.

    According to her, the tablets, packed in 491 rolls equivalent to 491,000 tablets, were abandoned by the smugglers after they were overwhelmed by customs operatives.

    “The duty value of this consignment is N91 million. This operation demonstrates excellent inter-agency collaboration aimed at curbing the menace of illicit drug trade in Nigeria,” she said.

    She added that the agency remained committed to protecting the health of Nigerians and urged members of the public to report any suspicious drug activities to NAFDAC for immediate action.

    The NCS Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Command, Dalhatu Abubakar, who was represented by Yusuf Idris, Deputy Controller, Enforcement, said the Tramadol was intercepted at the Mai Gatari border axis while coming from Niger Republic.

  • NAFDAC seals warehouse stocked with chemicals used for explosives in Kano

    NAFDAC seals warehouse stocked with chemicals used for explosives in Kano

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and sealed a warehouse stocked with 88,560 litres of controlled chemicals, including sulphuric and nitric acid, used for explosives in Kano.

    The Director-General, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the facility on Wednesday in Kwakwachi, Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

    Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, NAFDAC, Dr Martins Iluyomade, said the warehouse contained 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid at 90.5 per cent, and 28,560 litres of nitric acid at 68 per cent, alongside 330 empty jerricans whose contents had been dispensed to unknown persons.

    “What we have seen here is mind-boggling, I don’t think I have ever seen this quantity of concentrated nitric and sulphuric acid together in one place like this before,” Adeyeye said.

    The DG explained that the chemicals were discovered by vigilant NAFDAC officers, adding that upon arrival, only the warehouse manager, an employee, was found and arrested.

    “The owner is not listed as a chemical marketer. We keep a database to monitor the importation, use, and disposal of such chemicals. These acids are controlled chemicals that are not to be handled by just anybody.

    “Importing such chemicals requires clearance from the National Security Adviser and permits, none of which the owner possessed.

    “Permit and clearance is important because these chemicals are used to manufacture explosives.

    “The volume we have here is enough to destroy the whole of Kano if mishandled,” she warned.

    According to her, the agency is currently interrogating the arrested warehouse manager to trace the owner, who is still at large.

    “We will ensure that he is brought to justice. He needs to explain how these chemicals were imported, and who he was supplying them to. This is a serious national security issue,” she lamented.

    Adeyeye assured that the chemicals would be destroyed properly in line with regulatory procedures to safeguard public safety.

  • Court dismisses suit seeking to stop LGAs allocation in Kano

    Court dismisses suit seeking to stop LGAs allocation in Kano

    A Federal High Court sitting in Kano, on Monday, dismissed a suit filed by Abdullahi Abbas of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and one other seeking to stop statutory allocations to the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State.

    Abbas, Aminu Aliyu-Tiga, and the APC , through their counsel, Sunday Olowomoran, filed a motion exparte dated Oct. 28, and filed on Nov.1, 2024.

    The respondents in the suit are the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Account Allocation Committee(FAAC), Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission,(RMAFC), Accountant-General of the Federation, Minister of Finance, Auditor General of the Federation, and Attorney General of the Federation.

    Others are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Kano State Government, Attorney General Kano, Kano State Independent Electoral Commission(KANSIEC) and the 44 Kano local governments.

    The applicants are seeking a declaration that the 12th to 55th respondents are not democratically elected and constituted pursuant to Section 7(1) of the Constitution of the fedyeral Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    They are also asking the court to restrain the Federal Government, the CBN, and the Accountant-General from disbursing statutory funds to Kano’s 44 local government councils.

    Justice Simon Amobeda, in his ruling, held that even though a notice of discontinuance which ought to be filed not later than 14 days after service, was filed,  a hearing date had been fixed, citing Order 50 Rules 3, 4 and 5 of the court.

    “To avoid resuscitating the case in the future, the proper order to make is to dismiss the case.

    “In view of this, leave is hereby granted to the applicants to withdraw the case. The suit is hereby dismissed with no cost,” Amobeda said.

    Earlier, while addressing the court on the propriety or otherwise of the case, counsel to the applicants, Mr Sunday Olowomoran, on behalf of the lead counsel, Abdul Adamu-Fagge, SAN, made an oral application to withdraw the case.

    “My Lord, this suit was appealed. The appellate court on June 30, said this court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter and that the Kano State High Court is the proper court to entertain it,” Olowomoran said, urging the court to strike out the case.

    Counsel to CBN and RMAFC, Mr. B. D. Uche and S. G. Ahmad, told the court that their clients were not part of the appeal at the appellate court and urged the court to dismiss the suit with a cost of N1 million each.

    Counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Tajudeen Abdullahi, urged the court to dismiss the suit, not strike it out, with a cost of N2.5 million.

    Counsel to Kano State Government, Bashir Yusuf-Muhammad, urged the court to apply the principle of law by dismissing the suit with a cost of N2 billion against the plaintiffs.

    Also, counsel to the Kano State Attorney-General, Sani Mustafa-Dauda, also urged the court to dismiss the suit with a cost of N5 million.
    Counsel to KANSIEC, Ibrahim Wangida, urged the court to dismiss the suit, not strike it out.

    “My Lord, KANSIEC has suffered psychological and physical trauma; the office was locked for three months. We have filed processes, services, and printing. We are asking for a cost of N2 million,” he said.

    Counsel to the 44 local governments, Eyitayo Fatogun, SAN, also urged the court to dismiss the suit with a cost of N2 million, citing Order 50 of the rules of the court.

    Counsel for the 44 elected local government chairmen, Mustapha Hussaini, urged the court to dismiss the suit with a cost of N44 million.

    The court, on Oct. 23, 2024, halted the conduct of the local government councils’ election scheduled for Oct. 26, 2025, until KANSIEC is properly reconstituted, as it had previously been dissolved by the court for partisanship.

  • Kano Govt. orders probe into death of Bichi school students

    Kano Govt. orders probe into death of Bichi school students

    Kano State Government has ordered a full-scale investigation into the death of two students at the Government Boarding Secondary School, Bichi.

    The students, identified as Hamza Idris-Tofawa and Umar Yusuf-Dungurawa, reportedly died after an attack by fellow students who allegedly used local metal objects known as “Gwale-Gwale” in what was described as a form of punishment.

    The State Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, gave the directive for an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident.

    Speaking through the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Bashir Baffa, Makoda said the government would ensure that justice was served.

    “It is an unfortunate and tragic incident. The Kano State Government is committed to conducting a thorough, fair and transparent investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice for all involved,” he said.

    According to preliminary reports, the deceased students were allegedly punished by senior students for reportedly committing an offence, leading to their deaths.

    Muhammad, who visited the school on behalf of the ministry, cautioned the students against taking the law into their own hands.

    “You should avoid taking the law into your hands and always report matters of concern to the school authorities for appropriate action,” he warned.

    The commissioner extended condolences on behalf of the state government and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

    “On behalf of the Kano State Government, Ministry of Education, and the good people of Kano State, we extend our condolences to the families of the deceased and pray that Almighty Allah grants them Jannatul Firdaus,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Director of the Kano State Senior Secondary School Management Board, Alhaji Abbas Abdullahi, described the incident as disturbing and urged the students to use their positions responsibly.

    Meanwhile, a relative of one of the deceased students, Ibrahim Yusuf-Dungurawa, called on the government to ensure that justice was done and the perpetrators brought to book.

    Similarly, Malam Idris Garba-Tofawa, father of the second student, said the family had accepted the tragedy as the will of God but pleaded with the authorities to ensure that such an incident never occurs again.

    The government has vowed to leave no stone unturned in its efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths.

  • JUST IN: 4 dead, 7 injured in Kano building collapse

    JUST IN: 4 dead, 7 injured in Kano building collapse

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the death of four persons and seven injured in a building collapse at Abedi Sabon Gari, Fagge Local Government Area of Kano.

    Dr Nuraddeen Abdullahi, NEMA Coordinator, Kano state Territorial Office, confirmed the incident on Monday in Kano.

    He said the agency received a distress alert on Sunday, July 13, at about 6:49 p.m that a three-story uncompleted building had collapsed at Abedi Sabon Gari Kano.

    Abdullahi said the incident occurred at about 6:42 p.m. on Sunday following a prolonged and heavy downpour.

    “On receiving the information, we immediately mobilised a Search and Rescue (SAR) responses team to the scene in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders,” he told NAN.

    Abdullahi noted that eyewitnesses confirmed that several occupants were in the building at the time of the collapse, with many trapped beneath the rubble.

    The  NEMA Coordinator said as at 1:56 a.m on Monday, two fatalities have been confirmed, while six injured persons have been rescued.

    According to him, two additional persons were confirmed dead and one injured at about 5:41 a.m, and were all rushed to the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital Kano for medical attention.

    “Several individuals are suspected to be trapped, and efforts are being intensified to reach them safely.

    “During the rescue operation, the perimeter of the site was secured to control the crowd and ensure the safety of responders, while heavy equipment and lighting (Amida light) support were being utilised” Abdullahi said.

    He said the search and rescue operations are still ongoing to rescue trapped victims in sustained coordination with stakeholders and local authorities.

    Abdullahi added that a detailed post-incident assessment report would be compiled at the end of the operations.

    According to him, there is currently no immediate request for additional external reinforcement, but the situation remains fluid and further updates would be provided as necessary.