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Kano CSOs to ensure justice for children abducted to Onitsha
Maude Rabiu Gwadabe
Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Kano have vowed to ensure justice for the children abducted in the state and sold to childless couples in Onitsha, Anambra state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Kano Police Command had on Friday paraded six Igbo persons who have confessed to abducting children and selling them in Onitsha, Anambra state.
The CSOs comprising of Kano LEADS, Kano Peace Committee, Center for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA), and International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) spoke exclusively to KANO FOCUS on the issue.
President Kano LEADS, Aisha Dankani appreciated the efforts of the Nigeria Police and promised to ensure “prosecution of ALL those involved in this brazen and open criminality against the peace-loving people of Kano.”
“We warn all those involved in this evil genocide to know that Kano LEADS finds it unacceptable.” She said.
Barrister Dankani empathized with the victims and others yet to be discovered.
She also called on the local Igbo leadership to openly castigate those who commit the crime.
Reacting, Secretary Kano State Peace Committee, Ibrahim Waiya called on authorities to ensure the prosecution of the suspected criminals.
Mr Waiya, who spoke on behalf of the co-chairs of the committee, Professor Emeritus Ibrahim Umar and Reverend John Namaza Niyiring, urged Kano residents to remain peaceful and allow justice to take its course.
“Crime has no ethnic identity therefore people should not stereotype a particular tribe for the alleged act of a few individuals.” Mr. Waiya said.
Also, FIDA chairperson in Kano, Huwaila Ibrahim said the association will closely monitor the trial and ensure that justice is served.
In his reaction, Executive Director, CAJA, Kabiru Dakata called on the Kano police command to ensure the return of the remaining children allegedly abducted from the metropolis.
Mr Dakata also expressed CAJA’s commitment to ensuring the successful prosecution of the culprits.
The suspects
- Paul Owen – Male – 38 years – Dakata, Kano – Kidnapper
- Mercy Paul – Female – 38 years – Dakata, Kano – Kidnapper
- Emmanuel Igwe – Male – 34 years – Onitsha, Anambra – Aiding the kidnappings
- Ebere Ogbodo – Female – 45 years – Onitsha, Anambra – Buyer/seller
- Louisa Duru – Female – 45 years – Onitsha, Anambra – Buyer/seller
- Monica Orachaa – Female – 50 years – Onitsha, Anambra – Buyer
The rescued children
- Amira Auwalu – Female – 4 years
- Husna Salisu – Female – 4 years
- Usman Muhammad – Male – 5 years
- Chiemeri Ogbodo – Male – 6 years
- Aisha Muhammad Abdullahi – Female – 9 years – renamed Ozioma Ogbodo
- Umar Faruq Ibrahim – Male – 10 years – renamed Onyedika Ogbodo
- Blessing Ogbodo – Female – 10 years
- Chaizozie Ogbodo – Male – 11 years
More than 100 children had been reported missing in parts of Nassarawa and Ungoggo local governments of Kano metropolis since 2014.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
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.
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