TheNewsGuru

Tag: Kano

  • Kano gov, Yusuf suspends acting head of service, appoints replacement

    Kano gov, Yusuf suspends acting head of service, appoints replacement

    Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has suspended the Acting Head of Service, Salisu Mustapha, over alleged salary deductions and non-payment of some civil servants’ salaries.

    Mustapha has  been directed to step aside as Permanent Secretary, Establishment, to allow for an unhindered investigation.

    This is contained in a statement  by the governor’s  spokesperson,  Sunusi Dawakin- Tofa in Kano on Friday.

    Yusuf has also  approved the appointment of Malam Umar Muhammad Jalo, the Permanent Secretary, REPA, as the new Acting Head of Service, pending the outcome of the ongoing probe.

    The governor  reaffirmed his zero-tolerance stance on financial malpractice, warning that anyone found guilty will face severe consequences.

    An investigative committee led by Abdulkadir Abdussalam has been given seven days to uncover the root of the irregularities and submit its findings.

    Mustapha’s suspension comes after his appointment as Acting Head of Service earlier this month, following the medical leave of the substantive Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, who is receiving treatment in India.

  • Court restrains CBN, others from withholding Kano LG allocation

    Court restrains CBN, others from withholding Kano LG allocation

    A Kano State High Court, on Monday, issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining  the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from withholding funds from the Federation Account to the 44 Local Governments of the state.

    The applicants are the Chairman of NULGE, Ibrahim Muhd, Ibrahim Uba Shehu, Ibrahim Shehu Abubakar, Usman Isa, Sarki Alhaji Kurawa and Malam Usman Imam.

    The applicants, through their counsel, Mr Bashir Yusuf-Muhammad, filed a motion exparte dated Nov.1, seeking the court to restrain the respondents from withholding or delaying allocations essential for local governance in the State.

    The respondents are: the Accountant-General of the Federation(AGF), CBN, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission,(RMAFC) , the 44 Kano Local Government’s, UBA, Access and six other commercial banks.

    Delivering the judgment, Justice Ibrahim Musa-Muhammad held that the applicants had established their case.

    “I resolve in the affirmative that all the reliefs sought by the applicants are granted as follows:

    “By the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in suit No SC/CV/343/2024 Attorney General of Abia State and 35 others.

    “The Kano State Local Government Council Electoral Laws 2022, the AGF, CBN, and RMAFC are under a duty to disburse monthly allocations to the 44 LGAs as democratically elected Local Government Councils.

    “A Declaration that withholding these allocations would amount to a breach of the fundamental rights of the residents, inhabitants in the 44 Local government Councils, as guaranteed under Sections 33, 42 and 43,44, 45 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria (As Amended).

    “Articles 13,19,22 and 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights for the AGF, CBN and RMAFC to exclude
    the 44 LG in the distribution from funds accruing from the Federation Account in line with Section 162(3) of the 1999
    Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”

    Earlier, counsel to the applicants, Yusuf-Muhammad urged the court to discountenance the respondents’ counter affidavit and grant the applicants reliefs.

    Counsel to the 44 Local Governments, Ibrahim Isa-Wangida, holding brief for Eyitayo Fatogun, SAN, did not oppose the plaintiff’s application, adding that the disbursement of LG allocations should not be truncated.

    Responding, Counsel to CBN, Mr Ganiyu Ajape, filed notice of preliminary objection dated Nov.14, 2024 pursuant to order 8 rules (1)(2) of the fundamental rights.

    He urged the court to strike out the name of CBN in the suit for lacking jurisdiction to entertain the matter and not to grant the applicants relief.

    Counsel to United Bank of Africa, Keystone Bank, Mr A B Emmanuel and also a counsel to Guarantee Trust Bank, holding brief for Mr Faruk Asekome, urged the court to strike out their client’s name with a substantial cost.

    “My Lord, there is no reasonable cause of action disclosed against our bank. We have no role in the disbursement of Local Government allocations,” Emmanuel argued.

  • Kano gov, Yusuf bans student labour in schools

    Kano gov, Yusuf bans student labour in schools

    Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Sunday issued a stern warning to teachers, prohibiting them from involving students in hard labour, both on and off school grounds.

    This is contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa.

    The governor emphasised that schools are for education and moral guidance, not for manual labour.

    During an unscheduled visit to the School for Arabic Studies in Kano, the governor had found students digging a toilet pipeline.

    Visibly displeased, the governor questioned the headmaster about assigning such tasks to students.

    The headmaster explained that the work was assigned after school hours. However, Yusuf ordered the practice to cease immediately.

    The governor assured the school management that his administration would renovate all dilapidated buildings, including the attached mosque.

    He also instructed that any school projects be submitted to the Ministry of Education or his office for execution.

    Yusuf, however, inspected ongoing reconstruction projects at Kano Printing Press, damaged during the End-Bad-Governance protests.

    He directed the contractor to adhere strictly to the contract, expressing concerns that some structures did not meet government standards.

  • Kano Assembly passes bill establishing state-owned security corps

    Kano Assembly passes bill establishing state-owned security corps

    The Kano State House of Assembly has passed a bill establishing the Kano State Neighborhood Security Corps.

    This followed deliberations in the Committee of the Whole House during a plenary session presided over by Speaker, Alhaji Jibrin Falgore (NNPP-Rogo).

    Subsequent to the deliberations, the lawmakers approved the 3rd reading of the bill, as presented by the Clerk.

    Shortly after the bill’s passage, the Majority Leader of the House, Alhaji Lawan Husseini (NNPP-Dala), stated that the bill was passed after undergoing the necessary legislative processes.

    The lawmaker explained that the corps would be a community policing body that would complement the work of other security agencies in the state.

    Husseini emphasized that the creation of the outfit would significantly enhance the internal security situation in the state.

    He highlighted the necessity for the state to establish its own security outfit, drawing comparisons with southern states in Nigeria, such as those behind the Amotekun initiative, which have set up similar agencies to strengthen internal security.

    According to him, security corps will be authorized to carry firearms as stipulated by the law.

    He added that they would also have the power to arrest offenders and hand them over to the police for prosecution.

    Husseini further said that the personnel to be recruited will not be affiliated with any political party.

    “The personnel to be recruited will not be affiliated with any political party.

    “The law grants security personnel the authority to carry firearms as stipulated by the law, make arrests, prevent crimes, and apprehend offenders throughout Kano State.

    “In accordance with the law, the leadership of the outfit will be entrusted to a non-partisan indigene of the state ,” Husseini stated.

    The majority leader added that the Commander General of the corps is to be appointed and must be a person of proven integrity while there would be a commander to lead the personnel of the corps in each of the 44 local government areas of the state.

    He noted that the commander general must be a retired security personnel of the Army or Police with at least 25 years in service and not below the rank of a Colonel or Commissioner of Police.

    The lawmaker further said the security agency would have a board to be administered by a chairman to be appointed by the governor.

  • Just in: Kano in panic mode as four k!lled in violent clash over alleged house demolition

    Just in: Kano in panic mode as four k!lled in violent clash over alleged house demolition

    Four people have been killed in the Rimin Auzinawa area of Ungogo Local Government, Kano State, after violent clashes between residents and security personnel over the demolition of buildings.

    The victims were fatally shot by security forces following protests against the destruction of their homes.

    Sources indicate that the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) had planned the demolition of around 40 residential properties, which were being constructed on land believed to be owned by Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

    A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that KNUPDA had previously approved the properties, confirming they were not situated on university land. However, on Sunday night, KNUPDA and security officials arrived and demolished the buildings, leading to resistance from locals. Tragically, security forces opened fire during the altercation, resulting in four deaths.

    Attempts to reach KNUPDA for comment have been unsuccessful.

    Journalists who visited the KNUPDA office reported an unusual calm, with staff suggesting the absence of senior officials was due to fear of potential reprisals.

    A senior director from KNUPDA clarified that the demolition was carried out by a task force from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, not by KNUPDA. An anonymous source from the ministry confirmed that the land belongs to BUK and assured that an official statement would be released soon.

  • Four killed in Kano building demolition exercise

    Four killed in Kano building demolition exercise

    No fewer than four persons lost their lives during a building demolition exercise at Rimin Zakara village in Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State.

    The incident occurred at about 10:00 pm on Sunday, when government officials accompanied by security operatives stormed the area for building demolition.

    According to eyewitness account, Ishaq Mohammad, the demolition team met with resistance from some people in the area leading to the deadly fracas.

    He said that security operatives allegedly fired at the attackers, killing two on the spot, while two others who sustained injuries died later at the hospital.

    Mohammad, who is also a landowner in the community, said that over 40 houses were demolished during the operation.

    Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, who confirmed the incident, said the security personnel were deployed to protect government property but met with hostilities.

    He said that some elements in the community attacked the personnel, injured one officer and vandalised their vehicles.

    A source at the state Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, said the land in dispute belongs to the Bayero University Kano (BUK).

    He said the state government would soon respond to the incident.

  • Over 230 children raided in Kano streets rejected by parents— Hisbah cries out

    Over 230 children raided in Kano streets rejected by parents— Hisbah cries out

    The Commander-General, Kano State Hisbah Board, Aminu Daurawa, has lamented that no parent has approached the board or any state institution to claim the paternity of 250 children rescued from the streets.

    In his recent video, the prominent Islamic Scholar narrated how Hisbah officers picked up no fewer than 230 children walking aimlessly in major streets of Kano metropolis.

    He said majority of the picked children are not up to 15 years of age.

    He noted that the children were born and brought up in public places like railway station, under flyover, markets and motor parks.

    The Hisbah boss said: “Whoever saw what happened some weeks ago of the 230 children picked up all which are not up to 15 years.

    “This is just the first instance. We have traced and understand that there are about 5000 of such children. We only catch the 230 children because that is the number the place we have to house them can only contain.

    “The governor has made the necessary preparations before agreeing to pick up the children. We pick the children in different places such as railway lines, under bridges, markets and motor parks.

    “Four of the children were confirmed dead due to heat, cold weather, sickness and other related illnesses. When we got to the location of where to pick the children around 1am- 3am which by that time every child was supposed to be at home with their parents.

    “Before the operation we meet with the leadership of the places the children use to inform them of our intentions.

    We also pick some in a football show house where they pay to watch football and who paid automatically has paid to have a place to sleep. Some are born and brought up in railway stations.”

    In his response, a former presidential aide and chieftain of ruling All Provressive Congress(APC) Bashir Ahmad described the developments as heart breaking.

    He said: “So I watched that deeply moving video of Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, where he narrated a heartbreaking story about the recent Hisbah operation in Kano, which rescued over 250 children from the streets who were abandoned by their parents.

    “As Sheikh Daurawa mentioned, even though the children gathered in one place for some days, receiving medical treatment, but none of the parents have come forward to reclaim their children.

    “We have to commend the Kano State Government for initiating such a commendable effort, and it is a hope that the initiative will serves as an eye-opener and create an avenue for such critical discussions on this menace.

    “While it is true that the government alone cannot address all issues, but it has the power to rally the support of capable individuals and organisations to tackle this challenge collectively and put an end to it once and for all.”

  • ROYAL RUMBLE! Fire’ll engulf whoever ignites chaos in Kano- Sanusi curses

    ROYAL RUMBLE! Fire’ll engulf whoever ignites chaos in Kano- Sanusi curses

    The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has warned that fire would engulf any one trying to cause chaos in Kano State.

    This was as Sanusi said the battle over Kano Emirate belonged to God, hence residents should remain calm and resist any temptation that could cause unrest.

    He made the remark in a viral video while reacting to the Appeal Court judgement.

    The Abuja Division of the Appeal Court had nullified the order of the Federal High Court in Kano.

    The Kano Federal High Court had nullified Sanusi’s appointment following an emirate tussle in Kano State.

    The order nullifying Sanusi’s appointment was issued by Justice Abubakar Liman of the Kano Division of the Federal High Court on June 20, 2024.

    But, the Appeal Court faulted the ruling of the Federal High Court.

    Sanusi said: “As you all know, the Appeal Court has confirmed today that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction over emirate issues. This judgment was expected, and those who initiated the case in court knew this all along.

    “Even the judge who issued the initial order was aware of the limits of his jurisdiction. Those who influenced him to make that decision also knew the truth.

    “However, for the past eight months, their aim has been to promote selfish interests and instigate unrest in this part of the country.

    “Despite their efforts, our greatest achievement is that the state has remained peaceful. There has been no violence or disorder. We call on everyone to continue maintaining peace and unity.

    “This battle is not ours but God’s. And God does not need anyone’s help. Let us keep praying for His guidance and intervention. May God protect us, and whoever seeks to ignite chaos in Kano, may that fire consume them instead.

    To those who wish harm upon Kano or its peace, may they face the consequences of their own wishes.”

  • NDLEA arrests bizman at Kano airport for body packing large consignment of cocaine

    NDLEA arrests bizman at Kano airport for body packing large consignment of cocaine

    Attempt by an import and export businessman, Olisaka Chibuzo Calistus to smuggle 256 wraps of cocaine weighing 6 kilograms into the country through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, MAKIA, Kano, has been thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

    The seizure, which is the single largest interception of cocaine at the Kano airport since the creation of MAKIA Command of NDLEA in 2006 was made on Sunday 15th December 2024 during the inward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 941 from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    Olisaka who claims to be into import and export business was subjected to body screening during which he was found to have packed hundreds of cocaine pellets in his body.

    A similar attempt by an ex-convict, Olanrewaju Bada Akorede to export a consignment of rohypnol to South Africa through the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos, was equally frustrated by NDLEA officers at the airport. The consignment was hidden in a cargo containing gari, shoes, men’s singlets and other items.

    Olarenwaju was convicted for a similar crime earlier this year following his arrest on 12th December 2023 for attempting to ship 4.90kg tramadol and 2.10kg rohypnol to South Africa through the export shed of the Lagos airport. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos with an option to pay a fine of N900, 000, which he paid and was freed before returning to repeat the same crime.

    An Italy-based businesswoman Cynthia Akaeen was on Wednesday 18th December arrested by NDLEA officers while trying to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Italy via Addis Ababa. The suspect was intercepted at the departure point of terminal 2 of the Lagos airport during an outward clearance of passengers going to Italy. A total of 9,190 tablets of various brands of tramadol weighing 6.00kg were recovered from her. According to her, she was promised 1,000 Euros upon successful delivery of the consignment in Italy.

    No fewer than 418,330 pills of tramadol 225mg, 100mg and tapentadol 250mg as well as 8,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from a warehouse at a building material market in Onitsha, Anambra state on Tuesday 17th December when NDLEA operatives raided the market following credible intelligence.

    At the Tincan Island port in Lagos, a total of 180,000 bottles codeine syrup were recovered on Wednesday 18th December from a container, which originated from Mundra, India. The seizure was made during a joint examination of the container by men of NDLEA, Customs, DSS, police, and other security agencies at the port, while a suspect Makata Emmanuel, who is the consignee and notify party, was promptly taken into custody.
    A total of 293,000 capsules of tramadol, a pistol and 26 rounds of 7.65mm live ammunition were recovered from the duo of Ishaya Wabba, 54, and Samaila Audu, 44, when they were arrested in a Toyota Sienna bus at Pompomari Bypass, Maiduguri, Borno state, while another suspect Sanusi Abdul Hamid, 37, was nabbed at Gwange area of the state capital with 260, 000 capsules of the same psychoactive substance on Monday 16th December.

    A 35-year-old suspect Modu Kolera was equally arrested on Wednesday 18th December
    at Custom area of Maiduguri with 8.5kg cannabis; 5,000 pills of tramadol; 7,500 tabs of
    diazepam; 14,500 tablets of exol and 50 litres of ‘suck and die’, a new psychoactive substance, in his Volkswagen Golf car marked DKW 812 AA.
    While a suspect Gafar Saminu, 30, was arrested on Wednesday 18th December with 33.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa, at Ayete, Oyo state, NDLEA operatives in Enugu same day raided the Aria new market where they recovered 94kg of same substance.
    In Lagos, a consignment of 32 kilograms ephedrine, a precursor chemical going to the South East was on Monday 16th December recovered at the Young Shall Grow Luxurious Vehicles Park, Maza-maza.
    With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

    These include: WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Wajah Girls Government Day Secondary School, Hong, Adamawa; students and staff of Government Girls Tahfizul Quran Salihawa, Gwarzo, Kano; students and staff of Riyadul Quran Islamiyya School, Bagudo, Kebbi state, among others.
    While commending the officers and men of MAKIA, MMIA, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, Enugu, and Tincan Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) urged them and their compatriots across the country not to rest on their oars as they intensify their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

  • Just in: DSS, police operatives barricade Kano Emir’s Palace

    Just in: DSS, police operatives barricade Kano Emir’s Palace

    Armed policemen and operatives of the State Security Service, SSS, have barricaded the Kano Emir’s Palace, Kofar Kudu barring entry and exit from the palace.

    Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to escort the newly-appointed Wamban Kano, Munir Sanusi, to his district posting in Bichi.

    It was gathered that the Bichi palace is also surrounded by armed policemen.

    Details shortly…