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Tag: Kano

  • Lawyers trained on administration of effective criminal justice in Kano

    Lawyers trained on administration of effective criminal justice in Kano

    A three-day workshop aimed at enhancing the administration of criminal justice is currently underway in Kano State.

    The training, which is being held at the Bristol Palace Hotel, was organised by Barrister Sadiq Sabo Kurawa with support from the Kano State Ministry of Justice. It features top Nigerian legal luminaries as resource persons.

    Prominent lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, delivered a paper titled “Advocatorial Skills of a Good Prosecutor.” 

    He emphasized the need for proper training, provision of modern tools, and improved welfare for prosecutors to enable them to carry out their duties effectively.

    Another paper, ‘Understanding Criminal Law Courts and their Procedures I,’ was presented by Eyitayo Fatogun, SAN, who hinted that the conduct of prosecutors and their relationships with judges were also important.

    Prof. Nasirdeen Lere made another thought-provoking presentation on “The Adversarial System of Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: The Judge or Jury?.”

    There were Questions and Answers (Q & A) sessions that enabled the participants to seek clarifications and make their contributions.

    The organiser of the events, Barrister Sadiq Kurawa, said the programme would equip the lawyers with what it takes to be fully educated on the administration of Criminal Justice in the country.

    He said the workshop featured legal experts like Professor Auwalu Yadudu, Falana, SAN, Professor Attahiru Jega etc to impact the knowledge that the participants were not taught in school.

    Speaking to the press, Femi Falana, who is also a human rights right, called for the establishment of public defender’s office in all the 774 local government areas the federation to ensure the poor have access to justice.

    According to him, “the rich can take care of themselves, but what about the poor poor?”

    Falana hinted that, “must gullible Nigerians continue to suffer in detentions without knowing their rights and their families not knowing their whereabouts.

    “The office of the public defender is located in every local government. And I’m saying the entire 44 local governments in Kano must have the office of the public defender so that the poor can have access to justice.

    “And they must employ lawyers in the office of the public defender to take on the cases of the poor, just like you have the legal aid council at the federal level.

    “The legal aid council has offices in all the 36 states of the federation. In that manner, the office of the public defender must operate in every local government so that the poor who are denied justice, access justice, so that the poor who want to fight cases in court but lack the economic well-being, can complain to the office of the public defender for the office to assign lawyers to take on the case,” he said.

    The senior advocate disclosed he has started moves aimed at ensuring that people detained in the police stations across the country quickly get legal aid by means of contacting their families to know their whereabouts by the police.

    He said he was going to meet with the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure that every police station across the country have legal aid desk that will give the poor Nigerians quick access to legal aid before even going to court.

    “Our people, because of ignorance, are made to suffer daily in police stations in Nigeria. For instance, if a Nigerian is arrested, anywhere, and you are taken to the police station, under the law, it is the duty of the police to contact your family so that the family won’t be looking for you and thinking maybe you have been kidnapped,” he said.

    “Of course, the poor continue to be denied access to justice. It’s not only the fault of the government, it has to do with the economic conditions in our country.

    Read Also: Appeal Court reserves judgment in dispute over Kano’s electoral body’s composition

    “To lodge a complaint in a police station is problematic for the majority of our people because they may be asked to drop something to enable them to carry out investigations by the police officers. So the government will have to intervene by empowering the office of the public defender to assist the poor.

    “You could be locked up for one week or more and there’s no contact with your family. That is no longer permissible under the law. If you have no lawyer and you are going to be interrogated by the police, you have the right as a Nigerian to demand for legal representation and the police must contact the legal aid council to give you a lawyer.

    “So from the police station, legal representation begins. It’s allowed. So by the time you are taken to court, that same body must also provide a lawyer for you if you don’t have the means to access justice.

    “At the state level, if the government assigns a lawyer to defend anybody from the office of the public defender and he doesn’t defend you well, it’s not to resign to fate. It is to report such a person.”

  • Yusuf demands compensation for Kano hunters killed in Edo

    Yusuf demands compensation for Kano hunters killed in Edo

    Kano Governor Abba Yusuf has demanded compensation for the travellers killed in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, most of whom are from Kano.

    Yusuf also insisted that the arrested perpetrators must be paraded for people, especially the bereaved families, to see. 

    He insisted they must also be taken to court and punished according to the law.

    Yusuf made the demands when his Edo counterpart Monday Okpebholo paid a condolence visit over the killing of the travellers in Edo state.

    A mob had reportedly intercepted the travellers on their way to Kano State for Sallah celebrations, ransacked their vehicle and gruesomely murdered them on Thursday.

    “It is a known fact that our people were coming from Port Harcourt when the unfortunate thing happened. They were gruesomely killed; many of them were burnt to ashes. Majority of them are from Kano, from two local government areas,” Yusuf said.

    He however commended Governor Okpebholo and President Bola Tinubu for the swift decisions they took in ordering security personnel to go after the perpetrators while condoling with families of the slain travellers to dose tensions.

    The Edo Governor, who was received at the Ante Chamber of Government House Kano, assured t“the perpetrators must be brought to book.” 

    He also pledged to assist the families of the victims.

    Okpebholo informed 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings and assured they will be taken to Abuja for interrogation and prosecution.

  • Ignore report on Kano killing – Police

    Ignore report on Kano killing – Police

    The Police Command in Kano State has as described false, information circulating on social media which claims an attack on an 18-seater bus carrying passengers in Kano.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano on Saturday.

    Kiyawa said this report was entirely false and misleading.

    “The police command reaffirms its commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and promoting harmony among diverse communities.

    Read Also: Police officer dead, 19 Shi’ite members arrested in clash with security operatives

    “An investigation is currently underway to uncover the source of this fake news, and those responsible will face consequences for their actions.

    “The command urges the public to disregard this fake news and refrain from spreading unverified information that can cause harm, panic and unrest in the society,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Kano halts construction of private airstrip

    Kano halts construction of private airstrip

    Kano State Government has halted the construction of an airstrip in Tiga village of Bebeji local government area.

    The State Government brought bulldozers and loaders to sand fill the area already dug with signposts restricting further work on the site.

    Hamid Sidi Ali, Secretary of Taskforce on Development Control, said the State Government was investigating to find out the owner of the project.

    Umar Muhammad, 76, led farmers of the affected Tiga community to report the matter to the ministry of land and physical planning.

    He told journalists at the site that the construction of the airstrip was hampering agricultural activities in the area.

    Ali, who is also a member of the committee set to eliminate structures, encroachment of lands and building of properties without approval from the State Government, warned the developer not to encroach the land again while investigation is ongoing.

    He conducted journalists at the land located in Debido local government area where he said government had received reports of someone who was building an air strip at the area and blocking farmers from accessing their farm and depriving them of their livelihood.

    “We are here to investigate what is happening here and the place is being dug. However, we came and mounted signposts to stop the work and ensure farmers access their farms and continue with their farm activities, which is the source of their livelihood.

    “We are calling on the general public to always report when they see this kind of case they should quickly report to the Committee or Taskforce on Development Control of the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.

    Read Also: Minister organises prayers for Tinubu in Kano

    “Part of our mandate is to ensure we eliminate any form of malpractices on land use or encroachment of lands, making sure that any forms of land use or buildings must have approval from the state government.

    “We have also invited the owners of the land to find out whether they have approval from government to build an airstrip on the land in question, because from the government, there is no record of such an approval.

    “Everyone has the right of genuine ownership of land and the right to farm on it. But to construct a building you must seek approval from the government. 

    “So, there are laws guiding all these, and therefore, the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Agency will investigate properly and if the person building the airstrip did not follow due process, they shall be prosecuted accordingly,” Ali said.

  • Minister organises prayers for Tinubu in Kano

    Minister organises prayers for Tinubu in Kano

    Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has organised prayers for President Bola Tinubu fir his 73rd birthday

    The prayer sessions were held on Friday and Saturday in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

    The event was attended by the Minister, Islamic clerics (Ulamas), party members and youths, all gathered to seek God’s blessings for the president.

    A former Kano Speaker Rt. Hon. Ata expressed  gratitude to Almighty Allah (God) for granting Tinubu another year of life and leadership.

    He prayed for Tinubu’s long life, sound mind, and strength to continue steering Nigeria towards greater heights.

    While speaking to journalists, the Minister said: “We are asking Allah for divine wisdom, strength, and guidance upon the president as he leads with vision and determination.”

    Ata, joined by other Muslim leaders, further prayed for the president’s good health and the courage to make bold decisions that will bring peace, progress and prosperity to the nation.

    He reassured the youth at the gathering of Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to addressing their concerns.

    Read Also: Tinubu a courageous reformer, says Senate Leader

    He said: “President Tinubu is a visionary leader, a statesman of exceptional courage, and a patriot deeply committed to the progress of our nation through the efforts and contributions of our great Nigerian youths.”

    He urged young Nigerians to draw inspiration from the president’s decades-long dedication to selfless service.

    The Minister, also highlighted Tinubu’s journey from a pro-democracy activist to becoming senator, transformational Lagos Governor and the President, emphasising the resilience and determination that have defined his leadership.

    He underscored the administration’s bold economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, improving infrastructure and fostering a conducive environment for investment.

    He lauded the president’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said, prioritises job creation, agricultural expansion, improved healthcare, and enhanced security for Nigerians.

  • Kano approves N3.4 billion for projects, key policy decisions

    Kano approves N3.4 billion for projects, key policy decisions

    Kano State Government is to spend about N3.4 billion on projects and key policy decisions, Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has stated. 

    Waiya said the approval was given at the 25th State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, after deliberating on critical governance matters.

    During the meeting, the Executive Council approved a total of N3,398,144,284.04 for various infrastructural, health, education, and social welfare projects, Waiya said.

    Among the major approvals is N148.9 million for the maintenance of the School of Technology road network, alongside an additional N367.9 million advance payment for the expansion of Zaria Road. 

    “To improve the state’s electrical infrastructure, the Council approved N612.4 million for converting external electrical systems to an underground network at Government House and relocating power lines along Ahmadu Bello Way.

    “In the health sector, N184 million has been earmarked for the procurement of ambulances for Government House Clinic and Nuhu Bamalli Maternity Hospital, while N195 million has been allocated as counterpart funding for the Free Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health, as well as Free Accident and Emergency programs.

    “Furthermore, N348.2 million has been approved for the settlement of electricity bills owed to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) for November and December 2024.

    “The government remains committed to education and student welfare, as reflected in the approval of N662.5 million for the feeding of boarding school students for the third, fourth, and fifth weeks of the current academic term. 

    “Additionally, in a move to address environmental challenges, the Council has allocated N642.5 million as compensation under the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) at the Bulbula/Gayawa Erosion Site.

    “The state government has also approved N136.4 million to complete the remaining 50% payment of hazard and excess workload allowances for non-academic staff at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology.

    “To support the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in organizing their Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Kano, N100 million has been granted as financial assistance,” he said.

    The Executive Council also approved significant policy decisions aimed at improving governance and public welfare. 

    One of the key decisions is the salary increment for academic and non-academic staff in all tertiary institutions across the state, with academic staff receiving a 25% increase and non-academic staff benefiting from a 35% increase, the Information commissioner said.

  • Kano gets new Commissioner of Police

    Kano gets new Commissioner of Police

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the posting of CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori as the new Commissioner of Police for the Kano Command.

    IGP said this deployment aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to enhancing security and ensuring effective policing in the state.

    According to a statement on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, a highly experienced and dedicated officer, has served in various operational, investigative, and administrative capacities, including as a Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police, and Commissioner of Police in the Homicide Section of the Force Criminal Investigation Department. His extensive experience in operations, intelligence, and security management makes him well-suited to lead the Kano State Command.

    Read Also: Kano gets new Commissioner of Police

    “The IGP has charged CP Bakori to bring his vast knowledge and expertise to bear in ensuring the safety and security of residents of Kano State. He is expected to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor, strengthen community policing initiatives, and foster collaboration with relevant stakeholders to enhance public trust and security. 

    “The Force calls on the good people of Kano State to support the new Commissioner of Police in the discharge of his duties”.

  • EFCC rearrests TikTok influencer over Naira mutilation in Kano

    EFCC rearrests TikTok influencer over Naira mutilation in Kano

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rearrested a popular TikTok influencer, Murja Ibrahim Kunya over abuse of Naira.

    Kunya’s arrest stemmed from a video that circulated online, showing her spraying Naira notes in a hotel room in Kano.

    The EFCC deemed this act a violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the Naira.

    The influencer was arrested in January 2025 and was granted administrative bail but failed to appear in court, leading to a renewed pursuit by the EFCC.

    After weeks of investigation, Kunya was finally apprehended on March 16, 2025.

    The EFCC has emphasized its commitment to protecting the integrity of the Nigerian currency, warning against acts of abuse, including spraying, stamping, or mutilating the Naira during social events.

    Read Also: Give it to the EFCC

    Kunya is currently in custody, and awaiting arraignment.

    EFCC statement reads: “Specifically, Kunya was arrested for allegedly spraying Naira notes for fun during her stay in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano. The arrest followed her diligent pursuit by EFCC operatives after she jumped an administrative bail granted her by the Commission over one month ago.

    “She was initially arrested in January 2025 for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Act which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the Naira. She was granted an administrative bail by the Commission pending her arraignment before the Federal High Court in Kano. However, when it was time for her court appearance, Kunya absconded, evading the legal processes

    “However, after weeks of intensive investigation and surveillance, EFCC operatives successfully re-arrested the TikTok Influencer on Sunday, March 16, 2025. She was subsequently conveyed to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission, where she is currently in custody awaiting her arraignment”.

  • Kano Gov, Chinese ambassador push for stronger economic ties

    Kano Gov, Chinese ambassador push for stronger economic ties

    The governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, on Thursday hosted a Chinese delegation led by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dunhai Yu, where the two sought stronger economic and diplomatic ties.

    Yusuf announced plans to unveil a five-year multi-sectoral investment strategy, from 2025 to 2029, to attract more Chinese investors’ incentives that will not only attract but also retain investments in Kano State,” he said.

    Yusuf said Kano was a strategic commercial hub with immense investment opportunities and with incentives that will attract and retain foreign investments.

    He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening economic and infrastructural collaboration with China while inviting Chinese investors to take advantage of the state’s conducive business environment.

    “Kano is a historical commercial centre in sub-Saharan Africa and an industrial hub with a conducive business environment for Chinese investors. The state offers significant economic advantages, including access to raw materials, a strategic location, and large markets,” he said.

    Yusuf acknowledged China’s global economic leadership and its remarkable strides in infrastructure, banking, insurance, and industrialisation.

    He also recognised China’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, citing trade, investment, infrastructure, and financial assistance as key areas of collaboration.

    “The bilateral trade between China and Nigeria reached over $22.6 billion in 2023, and Kano has benefited greatly from this relationship. Chinese companies have played a major role in infrastructural development within the state,” he said.

    The governor highlighted that about 55 percent of ongoing infrastructural projects in Kano are being handled by Chinese firms, referencing the construction of five major flyovers, four of which were built by Chinese companies. He expressed gratitude for their contributions and assured continued cooperation.

    He commended China for its support in sponsoring Kano students for studies in Chinese universities, urging the Chinese government to expand the scholarship program to enhance human capital development and foster better communication between the business communities in both regions.

    In his response, Ambassador Dunhai Yu appreciated the warm reception accorded him. He described Kano as a key economic and cultural hub in West Africa with over 1,000 years of rich history.

    Read Also: Kano Gov. Yusuf bags ‘African governor of the year award for good governance’

    “Kano is home to many Chinese investors and entrepreneurs, and they all feel welcome here,” he said.

    “The relationship between China and Kano is built on mutual respect and beneficial cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and education.”

    The ambassador highlighted China’s commitment to expanding partnership with Kano, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure development, trade and education.

    He revealed plans to facilitate investment from Shandong Province -one of China’s largest economies- into Kano’s agricultural sector, irrigation system, and manufacturing industry.

    Yu also reaffirmed China’s willingness to support Nigeria’s push for economic diversification, particularly through investments in renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing.

    Yu said, “China leads the world in electric vehicles and renewable energy, and we are ready to collaborate with Kano to advance its industrialisation efforts.”

  • Container movement by rail to Kaduna, Kano, will soon resume – Opeifa

    Container movement by rail to Kaduna, Kano, will soon resume – Opeifa

    The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has assured Inland Containers Nigeria Limited (ICNL) of seamless container movement by rail from Apapa Port to Kaduna and Kano.

    Opeifa made the promise on Wednesday, while receiving the Management Team of the ICNL, led by its Managing Director, Omotayo Dada, at the NRC headquarters in Ebute Metta, Lagos.

    The visit was a sequel to one by the NRC Managing Director to ICNL headquarters in Kaduna, which paved the way for discussion on the resumption of container movement by rail to Kaduna.

    Opeifa said the corporation is willing to partner with major movers of large containers from across the country and added that only recently, the NRC entered into a partnership with APMT for the movement of containers from Apapa to the Inland Dry Port in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    He said the corporation would continue to design products for companies willing to use the rail to move its cargoes, adding that with the ICNL partnership, the corporation hopes to move additional 50 to 100 containers per day from Lagos to Kano via, Apapa, Ijoko, Ilorin, Minna, and Kaduna.

    Also, the Director of Operations and Commercial of the corporation, Akin Osinowo, said the corporation is in talks with many manufacturers, including the Dangote Group of Companies and BUA, among others.

    Niger govt partners with NRC for safe transportation of farm produce

    He added that the NRC continues to service Lafarge, taking cement consignments from Ewekoro to Osogbo and Ilorin.

    Read Also: Opeifa and the rail challenge

    He, however, said any company or terminal operator partnering with it are meant to add value to rail movement by using their size and stature to prospect new customers in order to boost the railway’s haulage capacity.

    He said the ICNL is a long standing customer of the corporation, adding that some of the factors that led to the stoppage of cargo movement especially on the narrow gauge are being addressed.

    Opeifa said issues such as insecurity, especially between Minna and Kaduna, and the washouts of several portions of the rail tracks, among others, are being aggressively addressed either by the corporation’s team of engineers or by the Federal Government.