Headlines
EXCLUSIVE: Kano gov’t seizes Emir Sanusi’s N250m land, pays monarch N4.5m compensation
Dawud Nazifi & Jaafar Jaafar
The Kano State Government has seized a plot of land worth N250 million belonging to the Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II and approved a peanut N4.5 million as compensation to the monarch.
There is crisis between Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and the emir, which culminated in whittling the influence of the latter by creation of four additional emirates and first-class emirs in Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya.
A Kano High Court had last week nullified the law that created the emirates and the emirs, triggering fears that the judgement might trigger the simmering crisis.
A joint investigation by DAILY NIGERIAN and KANO FOCUS newspapers revealed that the land, located at Ibrahim Dabo Road, was seized while its fences and other structures were demolished to pave way for the ongoing flyover and underpass bridge being constructed at the Dangi Roundabout area.
Our correspondents report that the seizure and subsequent demolition of structures within the land as well as the fence surrounding the property, was personally supervised by the state Commissioner of Works, Engineer Muaz Magaji, on Friday, 15 November, 2015.
The uncompleted part of the Dangi flyover
Emir Sanusi’s percel of land
Officials of the state land ministry who spoke to our correspondents on the condition of anonymity said the emir purchased the 1.2 hectare land in 2010 at the cost of N200 million.
According to them, the land was recently valued at N250 million at commercial rate, but the state government insisted that payment would be made in accordance with statutory land rate.
It was learnt that Mr Magaji, accompanied by a large group of armed thugs, led other officials of his ministry to Mr Sanusi’s land, where he personally mounted a Grade D9 bulldozer and demolished a section of the fence surrounding the land.
Another view of the Emir’s demolished land plot
Our correspondents gathered that before Mr Magaji embarked on the demolition, he had asked the Emir to send a representative to witness the exercise—a request Mr Sanusi obeyed by sending the district head of Garko to represent him.
According to eyewitnesses, after the commissioner pulled down a sizeable portion of the monarch’s fence in the presence of his representative, he then reportedly ordered the waiting group of armed hoodlums to pillage the facility.
The witnesses added that Mr Magaji also turned around and directed the bulldozer to a collection of shop buildings beside the uncompleted bridge and knocked down a part of the structures, before also reportedly directing the thugs to take their “booty”, saying all compensations have been paid to the owners.
When contacted, the Chief of Staff of to the emir, Munir Sanusi, declined comment on matter, saying the emir had not given him clearance to speak on the matter.
However, palace sources said the emir is yet to receive any payment from the government as compensation for the parcel of land, through which the overhead bridge will pass through.
But in a phone interview with our correspondent, the commissioner claimed that the state government had paid compensation to the emir.
“I can tell you he got the alert. For eight months, this issue has stalled the project, and this project is for public interest.
“We were even hoping that the Emir would give us the land for free to continue with the work. But since he did not give it to us, we decided to engage to services of valuers who valued it according to the statutory land rate because the government does not engage in commercial purchase,” he said.
The commissioner also confirmed that he personally mounted the Grade D9 bulldozer to pull down the said the structures.
He explained that the state government has also paid compensation to all other property owners whose structures were affected by the flyover project.
Umar bin Khattab mosque authorities also cry out
Similarly, Malam Muazu Shuaibu, the Secretary-General of Islamic Foundation—a non-governmental organization which owns the plots of land hosting the shops affected by the bridge project, also accused the state government of snatching their land without due compensation.
Mr Shuaibu explained that the shops were leased out to developers on a Build Operate and Transfer, BOT arrangement for a period of 20 years with the aim of generating funds to maintain the Umar Bin Khattab mosque.
A section of the site where shops near the Dangi flyover were pulled down. The land plots belong to Islamic Foundation–Managers of the Umar Bin Khattab Mosque
Another section where shops were also destroyed
He said officials of the state government had approached them when the bridge project started and told them that an assessment had shown that the work would affect their land.
“They sent valuers to make an assessment on what amount to give to each allotee. But we told them that they cannot proceed with the demolition until payments have been made to the beneficiaries.
“So, they asked us to forward our account numbers but we said no, we cannot forward account numbers until they give the figures they would pay to each allotee.
“After so much delay, the government officials later sent the figures which we shared with our developers before finally submitting account numbers and the government officials asked us to wait for payment,” he said.
Mr Shuaibu said as the Islamic Foundation and the property developers waited for the payment, he received a letter signed by Dahiru A’da’u, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Works, asking for cooperation to acquire the land plots.
“Based on the need for the timely completion of this important project for the benefit of the teeming members of the populace of the state, I write to inform your good office that this ministry has scheduled to acquire the designated portion and continue with the execution of works,” the letter read in part.
“Accordingly, work shall commence in earnest on Friday, 15 November, 2019. It is in the light of the foregoing that I’m soliciting your usual cooperation on the successful, timely completion of the project, which will solve a number of traffic related problems in our great city.”
He further explained that immediately after he received the letter, he had an announcement that compensations have been paid and property owners were given 24 hours to evacuate the shops.
“I contacted the developers to know if any of them had received an alert but all of them said they did not receive alerts. In less than the 24 hours given, the commissioner came personally and started demolishing part of the shops and then asked thugs to take everything they want as booty, claiming that they had paid compensation,” he said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano Strategic Command Partners with Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited (Kungiyar Dambe) to combat drug abuse ahead of UNODC International Day.
KANO FOCUS reports that the collaboration was sealed when Bashir Muhammad Danliti (Sarkin Damben Nigeria) paid a courtesy visit to NDLEA office in Kano.
A statement issued by NDLEA spokesperson Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari on Saturday said the visit was part of initiative to raise awareness about drug abuse ahead of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The NDLEA Strategic Commander, CN AI Ahmad, represented by the Head of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit, ACN Maimuna Garba, expressed gratitude for the commitment demonstrated by Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited in the fight against drug abuse.
He said the partnership is designed to harness the power of traditional sports, particularly Dambe, to engage the youth and promote a drug-free lifestyle.
Ahmad commended the Officer in Charge of sports, DSN Jamilu Uba Adamu, for his innovative approach in leveraging sports as a platform to disseminate crucial messages about drug awareness and prevention to reach the hearts and minds of youth, instilling values of discipline, respect, and healthy living.
According to the Commander the collaboration will involve an event and activities designed to educate the community about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of seeking help and support.
“The NDLEA and Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited are committed to fostering a safer, healthier environment for all citizens.
“As we approach the UNODC International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command encourages all stakeholders to join in this vital initiative. Together, we can create a lasting impact in the fight against drug abuse and promote a culture of wellness and resilience in our communities,” the Commander added.
By Ibrahim Adam
In the sacred valleys of Mina, where millions gather seeking divine mercy, something unusual happened.
It wasn’t the rituals or the crowd—it was the sight of a Nigerian governor moving quietly from tent to tent, pressing warm greetings into pilgrims’ palms alongside 250 Saudi Riyals, and whispering “Barka da Sallah” like a father would to his children.
That governor was Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State. And for the over 3,345 Kano pilgrims under his care, this was more than a religious journey—it became a deeply human experience of being seen, valued, and loved.
“He walked with us,” said Alhaji Musa from Gwale, his voice trembling with emotion. “Not as a politician. As one of us. As a brother.”
A Leader Who Showed Up
Governor Yusuf’s Hajj story didn’t start in Saudi Arabia. Months earlier, in Kano, he stood before hundreds of hopeful pilgrims and made a promise:
“We will not let the burden of cost block your path to the House of Allah.”
Initially, he pledged 200 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim. But upon arrival in the Kingdom, he increased it to 250 Riyals, further surprising the pilgrims with a gesture that felt both generous and personal.
When currency instability threatened the Basic Travel Allowance, he released over ₦376 million in emergency support to ensure each pilgrim received their full $500.
“He didn’t leave us at the airport. He followed us to Makkah, to Mina, to Arafat,” said Hajiya Rabi from Dala.
“He came before everyone, inspected our hotels, tasted our meals, asked about our beds.”
He wasn’t just preparing for the cameras. He was preparing for the people.
In Mina, a Governor Turned Father
Under the scorching Saudi sun in Mina, where sleep is brief and emotions run high, the governor emerged quietly with his team a day after Eid.
No sirens. No announcement. Just warmth.
He moved from tent to tent, personally distributing 250 Riyals to every single Kano pilgrim—3,345 in total. The joy was instant. The emotion, overwhelming.
“When he announced the money, I started crying,” said Hajiya Safiya, an elderly widow from Dawakin Tofa.
“I didn’t expect him to even visit, let alone remember us.”
It wasn’t just about the money. It was the humility of the gesture. The human touch.
Three Square Meals and a Human Connection
For many pilgrims, this was also the most comfortable Hajj they had ever experienced—not in luxury, but in dignity.
• In Makkah, pilgrims received two hot meals daily.
• In Mina and Arafat, where pilgrims often struggle for food, they enjoyed three full meals per day—fresh, consistent, and culturally familiar.
And it wasn’t just the quality of the food. Meals were brought directly to the pilgrims’ doorsteps—ensuring no one was left out or delayed.
This small but thoughtful gesture meant every pilgrim ate on time and with ease.
“I have been to Hajj before,” said Malam Bala, a retired teacher.
“But this time, I was never hungry. I didn’t fall sick. I felt cared for.”
The governor’s presence ensured clean toilets, mobile clinics, and direct coordination with Saudi authorities to ease the movement of pilgrims—especially the elderly.
Words of Guidance, Not Just Gifts
Even amid his generosity, Governor Yusuf remained focused on purpose. He addressed pilgrims in a heartfelt sermon, urging them to pray for peace in Nigeria and to uphold Kano’s good name.
“You are not just here for yourself,” he said.
“You are here for your family, your state, your country. Conduct yourself with humility. Saudi law is strict—stay away from anything suspicious.”
His warning was gentle but firm. His tone—not that of a boss, but of a leader who cares enough to correct you with love.
A Memory Etched in Spirit
What made this Hajj unforgettable wasn’t just the money, the food, or the logistics. It was the presence of a leader who chose to be among his people, not above them.
“When I tell my children about Hajj 2025, I will say: ‘We went with a governor who stood by us, prayed with us, cared for us,’” said Malama Hadiza, her voice cracking.
The phrase “Ya yi mana kamar uba”—He was like a father to us—echoed from tent to tent.
Final Thoughts: A Hajj Beyond Rituals
In the end, it wasn’t the rituals alone that defined this Hajj for Kano pilgrims.
It was the tears shared, the prayers offered, the Riyals gifted—not from a government account, but from a governor’s heart.
Governor Abba K Yusuf reminded everyone watching that leadership is not about distance, protocol, or pride—it’s about presence.
About walking among your people when they are at their most vulnerable. About reminding them they are not alone.
And that—more than the meals, the money, or even the smooth logistics—is what they will remember.
He walked with us. And we will never forget.
Ibrahim Adam is a Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Information and Head of Hajj Media Team 2025.
Headlines
Barka da Sallah:Governor Yusuf Touches Hearts in Mina with ₦361 Million Support for Kano Pilgrims
In a moving display of compassion and leadership, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reached across borders to extend a generous hand of support to 3,345 pilgrims from Kano performing the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
During a surprise visit to the pilgrims’ tent in Mina, one of the holiest sites of the Hajj, the governor personally distributed 250 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim — a heartfelt gesture totaling ₦361,087,500, calculated at an exchange rate of ₦430 per riyal.
The atmosphere in Mina shifted from solemn to joyful as pilgrims received not just money, but a message of solidarity and care from home.
“You are our ambassadors in the holy land,” Governor Yusuf told the pilgrims.
“This small gesture is to show that your state stands with you, prays for you, and appreciates the spiritual sacrifice you are making.”
The governor’s visit, made in the midst of the intense rituals of Hajj, was seen as symbolic — a leader humbling himself among his people in their moment of spiritual devotion.
For many of the pilgrims, the gesture wasn’t just about the money, but about being remembered, honored, and supported far from home.
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board oversaw the smooth and transparent distribution of the funds, ensuring that all 3,345 pilgrims received their share.
In a time when many leaders are accused of being distant from the people, Governor Yusuf’s gesture in Mina stands as a powerful symbol of connected leadership, faith in action, and governance with a human face.
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Barka da Sallah:Governor Yusuf Touches Hearts in Mina with ₦361 Million Support for Kano Pilgrims
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