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Tag: Kano State

  • Kano election petition tribunal raises alarm over attempts to bribe judges

    Kano election petition tribunal raises alarm over attempts to bribe judges

    The chairperson of Panel 2 of the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kano Justice Azinge on Tuesday raised an alarm over the way she said lawyers have been trying to bribe judges on her team.

    This was the second time the judge had complained about how some lawyers prosectuing election matters before her have been tring to corrupt the sysytem by offering bribes to her and her coleagues.

    She said in open court on Tuesday that “money is flying”, adding that “it’s being rumoured that a staff collected N10 million.”

    She did not expantiate if the staff that collected the bribe was in her court or another.

    She however warned that she would not take kindly to any further attempt to pervert the cause of justice through corruption.

    In recent years, allegations of lawyers bribing judges have cast a shadow over Nigeria’s judicial system, a complex issue that threatens to erode the public’s trust in the pursuit of justice.

    While it is important to acknowledge that not all lawyers engage in such practices, the specter of judicial corruption remains a concerning challenge that the Nigerian legal community must confront head-on.

    The concept of lawyers bribing judges highlights the intersection of power, ethics, and accountability within the Nigerian legal landscape. Corruption within the judiciary undermines the very essence of a fair and impartial legal process, eroding the foundational principles upon which justice is built. The consequences are far-reaching, affecting individuals, communities, and the overall integrity of the rule of law.

    Reports of lawyers attempting to sway judicial decisions through illicit means underscore the need for comprehensive reforms. The Nigerian legal fraternity is tasked with introspection, introspection, and self-regulation to identify and address the root causes that may foster such unethical behavior. Transparency, accountability, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law are vital components in dismantling the culture of corruption that threatens to undermine the credibility of the justice system.

    Efforts to combat judicial corruption should involve not only legal professionals but also civil society organizations, academia, and governmental bodies. Strengthening mechanisms for reporting and addressing allegations of corruption, ensuring the independence of the judiciary, and enhancing ethical training for lawyers are crucial steps in creating a more robust and trustworthy legal ecosystem.

    It is important to acknowledge that the majority of lawyers in Nigeria uphold the highest ethical standards and dedicate themselves to serving justice diligently. However, the actions of a few can tarnish the reputation of the entire legal community.

    By acknowledging the existence of this issue and taking collective action, Nigerian lawyers have the opportunity to lead the charge in fostering a more transparent, accountable, and fair judicial system.

    In conclusion, the allegations of lawyers bribing judges in Nigeria serve as a wake-up call for the legal fraternity to address corruption within the judiciary. It is a challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach, involving legal professionals, civil society, and governmental bodies, to restore public confidence in the pursuit of justice. By championing transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, Nigerian lawyers have the potential to reshape the narrative surrounding their profession and contribute to a more just and equitable society.

  • JUST IN: Kano residents troop out to protest against ECOWAS plan to invade Niger Republic

    JUST IN: Kano residents troop out to protest against ECOWAS plan to invade Niger Republic

    Protesters have trooped out into the streets of Kano to reject propoo use of force by ECOWAS to resolve the Niger coup crisis.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had directed military forces of the member states to be on standby.

    The protesters on Saturday embarked on the demonstration to show their displeasure at the planned military invasion of Niger Republic.

    While moving in a procession, they were chanting “Nigeriens are our brothers, Nigeriens are also our family.

    “Niger is ours, we don’t want war, war against Niger is injustice, a plot by the western forces.”

    They displayed Nigeria and Niger’s flags alongside placards, chanting anti-war catchphrases.

    This followed an intense call from different quarters, especially Northerners who believe that Nigeriens are neighbours with whom they share things in common.

  • Kano Fire Service saves 8 lives, N31m property in one month

    Kano Fire Service saves 8 lives, N31m property in one month

    The Kano State Fire Service says it saved eight lives and property worth N31 million from 25 fire incidents recorded in the month of July.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Service, Saminu Abdullahi, on Saturday in Kano.

    Abdullahi disclosed that, however, three persons lost their lives, while property worth N14 million were destroyed by fire during the period under review.

    “The Service responded to 11 rescue calls and four false alarms from residents of the state,” he said.

    The spokesman advised motorists to avoid use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in cylinders in their vehicles and generators to avoid inferno.

    He urged them to rather look for and use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in cylinders for safety.

    Abdullahi also advised the general public to handle fire with care and continue to clear their drains to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

     

  • Wanted criminal surrenders to Police in Kano

    Wanted criminal surrenders to Police in Kano

    Nasiru Abdullahi, popularly known as Chile Maidoki, who is among the three notorious criminals on the wanted list of Kano state Police Command, on Saturday, surrendered to the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel.

    Chile Maidoki, of Layin Falwaya Kurna, is among the three notorious criminals declared wanted with a bounty of N100,000 each by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Gumel.

    He, however, reported by himself at the Bompai headquarters of Kano state police Command, on Saturday.

    Chile Maidoki’s surrender brings to 100 the number of repentant criminals received by the Kano state Commissioner of Police, Mohammad Gumel, according
    to a statement by the Kano police Command spokesman, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, and made available to newsmen on Saturday.

    “Chile Maidoki told the police that he used to sleep at burial ground yards in Kano City just to evade detection by security personnel.
    “He is now appealing to the Police and the good people of the State to forgive him, that he has repented and is now ready to work with the Police to promote sustainable peace and development in the state,” Kiyawa revealed.

    He is therefore not to be stigmatised by members of the public.

    “However, the remaining two, with N100,000:00 bounty on each for clues or information leading to their arrests, are still wanted.
    They are Abba Burakita of Dorayi Quarters and Hantar Daba of Kwanar Disu.

    “Prospective beneficiaries of these bounties with credible information on their whereabouts are required to contact the nearest Police Station,” the statement added.

     

  • Ministerial Nominee: Maryam Shettima breaks silence after being replaced by president Tinubu

    Ministerial Nominee: Maryam Shettima breaks silence after being replaced by president Tinubu

    Kano-born former ministerial nominee, Miss Maryam Shettima, popularly known as Maryam Shetty, has reacted to her replacement  by President Bola Tinubu few minutes to appearing before the Nigerian senate for screening on Friday.

    Shetty has described the withdrawal of her appointment as the will of God and insisting that the best of her was yet to come.

    Shetty was replaced with Mariya Mahmoud, her classmate, on Friday morning through a third communication to the Senate on ministerial appointments, delivered by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamola.

    Dressed in a black flowing gown (Abaya) with a red head gear, Shetty had a sun shade on her face and brimming with smiles when she arrived the National Assembly complex on Friday ahead of her scheduled screening by the Senate as a Ministerial Nominee.

    In a viral video the former nominee was seen posing for photographs with some persons before being led into the parliament building shortly before she got to know of her replacement without any reason adduced.

    On hearing that she had been replaced by the president, she felt really bad and later left the National Assembly complex disappointed.

    However, in a statement on Saturday, Shetty, said she felt honoured by the appointment, but the turn of events would not stop her from believing in Nigeria.

    She also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

    “I have found myself at the centre of a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a move that brought me immense honour, chose me as a ministerial nominee. Coming from the traditional, conservative regions of northern Nigeria, this represented a significant stride towards a more inclusive national representation.

    “The sheer joy and pride I felt at my nomination were beyond words. It was a validation of my capabilities, a nod to my vision, and a sign that our great nation was ready to embrace a future where young women like me, even from the most traditional parts of Nigeria, can hold positions of influence and power.

    “Yet, life, with its characteristic unpredictability, led to the withdrawal of my nomination. To some, this could seem like a setback, but my faith as a devout Muslim guided my understanding. I saw it as the divine will of Allah, who I believe grants power as He wishes, when He wishes. His plans are always superior to ours.

    “Even with this unexpected twist, my gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for considering me for such an esteemed position remains undiminished. The journey doesn’t end here; I believe this is a mere stepping stone, the best is yet to come. My resolve to serve my beloved country, Nigeria, in any capacity I can, is stronger than ever.

    “I would like to assure my incredible supporters that this is not an end, it is the dawn of a new era I urge all of us to continue praying for our nation and to stand behind our president as he strives to better Nigeria. Together, let’s press ahead united under our #WEBELIEVE campaign.

    “It would be unfair of me here if I fail to acknowledge and appreciate the overwhelming support from international organizations and community, a lot have reached out and I am completely dazed by it all.

    “My nomination may have been withdrawn, but my hope is unwavering. As I have often stated, “Hope is not lost; maybe I will come back again.” This phase of my life has instilled in me a deeper sense of resilience, faith, and the value of service beyond titles and positions. It has reaffirmed my belief in the potential for change and in the inherent greatness of Nigeria. The dream is still alive, and my commitment to our nation remains steadfast.

    “As we move forward, I pray for the good health and strength to our President Baba Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima.”

  • Election tribunal: Absence of witnesses stops gov Yusuf’s opening defence

    Election tribunal: Absence of witnesses stops gov Yusuf’s opening defence

    Abba Yusuf, the governor of Kano State could not open his defence before the State Election Petition Tribunal on Friday due to the absence of three witnesses.

    Yusuf, who was the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the March 18 governorship election, was expected to open his defence after the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) closed their cases on July 15 and July 21 respectively.

    The APC is challenging INEC for declaring the NNPP candidate winner of the election. The party joined INEC, Yusuf and the NNPP as respondents in the petition before the tribunal.

    When the petition was called, Counsel to Yusuf, Mr Eyitayo Fatigun (SAN) told the court that the three witnesses they had invited were absent.

    Fatigun said: “We apologise because the three witnesses had flight issues getting to Kano from Abuja. My Lord, we seek an adjournment.”

    Counsel to INEC, Emmanuel Osayomi and Counsel to NNPP, John Olusola SAN, did not oppose the prayer.

    Also, the counsel to the petitioner, Offiong Offiong (SAN) did not oppose the request for an adjournment.

    The head of the tribunal, Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay thereafter adjourned the matter until Saturday for the NNPP to open its case.

     

  • SAD! Foremost Nigerian professor and author, Kole Omotoso is dead

    SAD! Foremost Nigerian professor and author, Kole Omotoso is dead

    A Nigerian author and professor, Kole Omotoso, is dead.

    He died at the age of 80 in South Africa where he had been sick for a while, a family source told Premium Times.

    Mr Omotoso’s family later released a statement confirming his death.

    “Our beloved father and husband moved on from this plane on Wednesday 19th late afternoon,” the family wrote in a statement sent to journalists.

    They will share more information with the public as they gather themselves, they said while thanking friends of the family for their care, love and support.

    Some of the works of fiction Mr Omotoso authored include The Edifice and The Combat

  • Gov. Yusuf appoints 15 special advisers

    Gov. Yusuf appoints 15 special advisers

    Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved the appointment of 15 special advisers to help drive his administration.

    This is contained in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Malam Bature Dawakin-Tofa, in Kano on Tuesday.

    According to the statement, retired Col. Abubakar Garin Malam is appointed as the Special Adviser, Disaster Management; Malam Usamatu Salga – Religious Affairs I; and Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar – Investment and Public Private Partnership.

    Others are Aminu Ibrahim, Special Adviser, Solid Minerals; Nura Hussain – Commerce; Jamilu Abbas – Cooperative Groups; Muhammad Yusuf – National and International Public Relation; and Balarabe Gaya – Special Intervention Programmes.

    Others are Isyaku Danja, Special Adviser, Assembly Matters; Baffa Sani Gaya – Labour Matters; Abdullahi Shehu – Environmental Sanitation; Umar Gama – School Feeding Programme; and Habibu Elyakub – Vocational Education Development.

    Similarly, the statement said Jamilu Dambatta is appointed as Special Adviser Publicity, and Umar Akawu – Abuja Liason Office.

    It said that all the appointments took immediately effect.

  • Court orders release of ex-Kano Commissioner over alleged N1bn fraud

    Court orders release of ex-Kano Commissioner over alleged N1bn fraud

    A Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Friday ordered the release of a former Kano State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Malam Idris Wada-Saleh, from detention pending the determination of the originating motion.

    Wada-Saleh was on July 4, arraigned by the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) at a Kano Chief Magistrates’ Court, on two-count count charge of giving false information and cheating.

    He however, filed a motion exparte on July 11, through his counsel Abdulgafar Murtala Esq, urging the court to restrain the commission from further detaining or intimidating him.

    The respondents in the suit included the PCACC, Chief Magistrate Tijjani Sale-Minjibir, Muhyi Magaji Rimingado, Kano State Government, the state Attorney General, AIG Zone 1, the State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Security Service and Civil Defense Corps.

    Justice S. A. Amobeda, granted the prayer and ordered the first to third respondents to forthwith release the plaintiff from detention.

    He also ordered the respondents,their agents, servants,privies or anyone acting on their behalf restraining them from further arresting, detaining or intimidating the plaintiff.

    “The second respondent is here by ordered to stay any other proceedings in respect of this case pending the hearing of the originating motion.

    “This matter shall be given accelerated hearing,” he said.

    Amobeda adjourned the matter until July 19 for hearing.

    The former commissioner was accused of misappropriating N1billion meant for rehabilitation of some roads in the Kano.

  • Dollar clips: Anti-graft panel probes Ganduje

    Dollar clips: Anti-graft panel probes Ganduje

    The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission has promised to establish the truth in the dollar scandal involving former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

    The commission confirmed the arrest of Ganduje’s Commissioner for Works and other persons in connection with alleged N1 billion fraud. Addressing journalists in Kano, yesterday, the reinstated chairman of the commission, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, disclosed that there was significant improvement in the investigation of the case, adding that no force would deter him.

    Rimin-Gado said he invited forensic experts to carefully study the video clip to understand its content. He explained that the controversy surrounding Ganduje and the video “remains interesting to the Kano people,” hence the commission is under oath to get to the root.

    The chairman described the subsisting court case on the matter as inconsequential to the commission’s investigation. On the arrest of Ganduje’s commissioner over alleged N1 billion 30 roads maintenance fraud, he explained that the money was removed under a unilateral directive, but the job was not done.

    According to him, the commissioner and two others are in custody of the agency and will be arraigned as soon as investigations are concluded. Ganduje’s Commissioner for Justice, Musa Lawal, described the move by the commission to openly investigate or prosecute his boss as clear abuse of power.

    Lawal said nobody under any agency has the legal power to ignore the matter in court. Before Ganduje suspended him, Rimin-Gado had openly declared the commission incapacitated to investigate the matter.