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Alleged N950m diversion: Court rejects Shekarau’s ‘no case’ submission

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By Nasiru Yusuf

The Federal High Court sitting in Kano presided over by justice Lewis Allagoa has struck out prayers of no-case submission filed by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau and two others in their trial for criminal allegation of money laundering to the tune of N950 million by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Delivering a ruling on the matter on Monday Justice Lewis Allagoa of the federal High court Kano said he found the testimonies of four prosecution witnesses sufficient and cogent, which he said warrant the accused persons to enter defence.

At the proceedings, Counsel to the EFCC alleged that a  former minister of foreign Affairs Ambassador Aminu Wali, Senator Ibrahim shekarau and Engr. Mansur Ahmad had illegally received N950 million from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) without passing through any recognized financial institution, an offence which EFCC argued, contravened several sections of the Money Laundering Act.

In his ruling, Justice Allagoa held that a prima facie case has been established against the three defendants.

The case was adjourned to the 18th and 19 of November 2019 for continuation.

Mr. Shekarau alongside a former minister of foreign affairs, Aminu Wali; and the then director-general of Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign in the North West, Mansur Ahmed, are facing a six-count charge of money laundering and unlawful collection of N950 million from a former minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The EFCC had alleged that the funds were diverted in 2015 from the presidential campaign fund of Goodluck Jonathan in the North West.

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Kano govt reintroduces waste bins in public transport

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

 

The Kano State Government has introduced waste disposal bins in the state’s public transport system to ensure a cleaner environment.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the initiative targets placing waste bins in Tricycles, buses, and at strategic points in the state, such as markets, bus stops, and motor parks.

 

Kano Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Muhammad Hashim, unveiled the initiative on Monday in a ceremony titled

 

“Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative.”

 

Dahir while speaking at the event stressed the importance of a clean and healthy environment in the state.

Dr Dahiru Muhammad Hashim flagging off the campaign

He stressed that the bins were put in place by the Kano State government for proper trashing of waste for a healthy society.

 

“These bins are designed to help commuters dispose of trash responsibly while on the move,” he said.

Street Sweepers on duty

 

“The government is taking a firm stance against littering and we are working closely with the Ministries of Transportation and Commerce to tackle waste management challenges across the state effectively.”

 

He called on transport workers, traders, and residents to ensure their environment is clean as the government has provided the waste bins for proper disposal.

Female Street Sweepers on duty

“While the government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, we need the cooperation of all stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious institutions to raise awareness and foster a culture of cleanliness,” he said.

 

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Gov Yusuf to distribute free uniform to primary school pupils 

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf is set to flag-off the distribution of school uniforms for Primary 1 pupils across the state on Monday 13th January 2025 as part of the administration’s commitment to addressing the problem of out-of-school children in the state.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that an estimated number of over 789,000 male and female pupils in 7,092 public schools across the 44 Local Government Areas in the state are to receive sets of uniforms under the program.

 

A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Sunday by commissioner of information Comrade Ibrahim Waiya said the initiative is aimed at promoting school enrollment and ensuring that every child of school age is given the opportunity to access quality education, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.

 

The statement added that in addition, the gesture will support indigent parents who may face financial challenges in meeting the educational needs of their children and further demonstrates that education remains the cornerstone of the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration’s agenda for even development across the state.

 

“By prioritizing the needs of young learners, the government seeks to empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed and contribute positively to society.

 

“The official launch event will take place by 1:00 pm at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf personally overseeing the distribution process,” the statement concluded.

 

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Emirate tussle: Kano Govt urges security, others to obey Court of Appeal ruling

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

 

 

 

The Kano state governent has urged all relevant individuals and bodies within and outside Nigeria, to abide with the recent ruling of the Federal Court of Appeal in respect of the ongoing litigation which the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the position of the Governor Abba Yusuf led administration on the recent ruling was made known Saturday, by Isa Dederi, Kano commissioner for justice, and attorney ‘General, held at a world press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre, in Kano.

 

The commissioner said: “On behalf of the Kano State Government, we express our profound satisfaction with the Judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, regarding the Emirate Council matter involving His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II and other parties.

 

“The verdict overturns earlier decisions by the Federal High Court and validates the government’s lawful actions regarding the chieftaincy appointments and reforms in the state’s traditional institutions.

 

“This ruling reaffirms the government’s commitment to justice, fairness, and adherence to due process in our efforts to modernize traditional structures while preserving the cultural heritage of Kano State. The judgment further clarifies the rightful jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, underscoring the constitutional boundaries of the courts in such affairs.

 

“The decision by the appellate court to void previous Judgments that questioned the state’s lawful appointments underscores the correctness of our actions and strengthens our resolve to continue reforms for equitable representation and inclusive governance.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, all decisions, pronouncements, and orders made by the Federal High Court Kano have been quashed and set aside by the Court of Appeal. Furthermore, the law enacted by the Kano state House of Assembly relating to Emirates and all actions taken by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State pursuant to that law have been fully upheld and legalized by the Court of Appeal. Therefore, in strict adherence to the rule of law and in defense of democracy, all public and private institutions, as well as individuals, are required to comply with the Court of Appeal decision and act accordingly to give full effect to the Judgment.

 

“We extend our appreciation to the Judiciary for upholding the principles of Justice and fairness. The Kano State Government remains committed to working with traditional institutions, ensuring harmony, and fostering development across all emirates.

 

“We urge all parties to respect the court’s Judgment and join hands with the government to promote peace, unity, and progress in our beloved state. Let us continue to prioritize the collective good of Kano State above all individual interests.”

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