Headlines
PRAWA seeks decriminalization of petty offenses in Kano
By Nazifi Dawud
The Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) has called for the decriminalization of petty offenses, saying it was responsible for the high number of awaiting trial suspects, which in turn leads to prison congestion.
The call was made by the organisation’s Programme Officer, Ms. Katumi Muhammed Oboirien, on Thursday during a Capacity Building Workshop on Penal Reform organized for journalists.
Ms. Oboirien, who is a legal practitioner lamented how innocent persons are being illegally held in detention over minor offenses such as loitering, tresspass, prostitution and roguery, adding that most of the suspects are compelled to write statements by police under duress.
She added that under the yet to be implemented Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in Kano state, suspects are allowed to decline to write statements at police stations without their lawyers or members of the civil society present.
According to Ms. Oboirien, light punishments such as small fines and community service should be meted to people convicted of minor offenses instead of being detained for long period of time in prison.
“My advocacy for petty offenders is that whatever punishment being meted out to them should be light, correctional and less burdened.
“It is wrong in the face of man and God to join petty offenders with hardened criminals in the same prison facility. This action will not only endanger the psychology of the petty offender, but will also amount to miscarriage of justice,” she said.
The legal practitioner also urged journalists to campaign for prison reforms, re-integration of ex-convicts into the society and decriminalization of petty offenses through consistent reports.
Statistics recorded in a “Baseline Report on Decriminalization and Declassification of Petty Offences”, show that offences in Kano which attract detention include common nuisance/loitering/roguery (33%), Prostitution (30%), Environmental offences/Hawking (20%) Traffic offences (12%) and Begging (5%).
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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