Headlines
Death penalty awaits kidnappers in Kano–Ganduje
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has vowed to amend the Penal Code in Kano state to carry death penalty for kidnapping crime.
Mr Ganduje, revealed this on Thursday while inaugurating the 16-man Commission of Inquiry mandated to investigate the abduction and forceful conversion to Christianity of nine Kano children by an Igbo kidnap syndicate.
Kano Focus reports that the Kano Police Command had rescued nine missing children and paraded six Igbo persons who have confessed to abducting the kids, renaming and forcefully converting them to Christianity before selling them in Onitsha, Anambra state.
The governor declared that death penalty is the only befitting punishment for kidnapping, which he said has taken a dangerous dimension in the state.
He described the kidnapping of the nine children as atrocious, adding that it was not Islamic or Christianity but criminality which has to be dealt with accordingly.
Mr Ganduje also donated N1 million each to the parents of the rescued kids and offered scholarship to the children up to university level.
“These children will be rehabilitated. We must rehabilitate them. We must make them continue performing Islamic religion. They will grow in our religion and culture,” he said.
On his part, chairman of the 16-man panel, Justice Wada Umar Rano, called on members of the public to assist the committee with relevant information.
He said the panel would be holding its seating at a Kano state high court at Miller Road, in Bompai area of Nasarawa local government.
Below is the list of the committee’s members:
1- Justice Wada Umar Rano- chairman
2- Alhaji Musa Yahya – secretary
3- Sunusi Ado Magaji –member
4- Ibrahim Abubakar Tofa –member
5- Aliyu Ibrahim Ahmand- member
6- Muhyi Magaji Rimingado-member
7- Mustapha Adamu Aminu -Member
8- Barrister Hussaina Aliyu – Member
9- Mariya Alin Kote- Meber
10- Nasiru Umar –member
11- DSP Abubakar A Shika
12- Umar abubakar-member
13- Abbas Ibrahim –member
14- Muhammad Suraji-member
15- Ibrahim A Wayya –member
16- Samuel Adeyoumi-member
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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.
