Headlines
Kano anti-graft agency arrests 2 Kano Emirate’s officials over alleged N150m land scam
Nasiru Yusuf
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested two officials of the Kano Emirate Council for allegedly collecting a N15 million kickback after selling some plots of land at the sum of N150 million without the state government’s approval.
In an exclusive interview with KANO FOCUS on Tuesday, chairman of the agency Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, said the two suspects, who were arrested on Monday have been quizzed and released.
He said the suspects were members of the Kano emirate’s finance committee, constituted by Emir Muhammad Sanusi II to supervise the construction of houses on the said parcels of land, which are located at Bubbugaje and Hotoro quarters in the city.
However, Mr Rimin-Gado alleged that instead of supervising the construction of structures, the emirate officials sold the land plots at the sum of N150 million and collected N15 million from the amount as “kickback”, without the approval of the Kano state government.
The PCACC chair added that when the issue was first reported to the agency, a query was sent to the suspects on January 10, 2020, demanding explanations on who authorized them to sell the land plots, but their lawyers advised them not to respond.
“To the best of my knowledge, emirate’s officials are state government employees. They should abide by public service rules and financial regulations. But palace officials are pretending to be from an independent institution.
“Let me tell you, this investigation has nothing to do with the earlier investigation of Kano emirate’s misappropriation.
“In fact, an aged woman from Hotoro quarters complained that Kano state governor (Abdullahi Ganduje) has sold a land belonging to the emirate council, but when we investigated the matter, we found that, it was sold by these persons.
“The commission has requested all the remaining emirs to submit the list of landed properties belonging to their respective emirates,” Mr Rimin-gado said.
A senior official of the commission who does not want his name to be published, identified one of the suspects as Dan’Isan Lapai, who was said to be a consultant to the Kano emirate.
The official also hinted to this newspaper that the commission has summoned another traditional title holder Professor Isa Hashim (Jarman Kano), who is expected to give a statement to the agency on Tuesday.
Officials of the Kano Emirate did not respond to phone calls and text messages sent to them by KANO FOCUS seeking comments on this report.
However, a source at the palace told KANO FOCUS that Emir Muhammad Sanusi ll and Governor Abdullahi Ganduje are billed to meet President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock presidential villa for reconciliation on Tuesday.
Relationship between Messrs Sanusi and Ganduje has become sour after the latter accused the former of supporting his opponent Abba Yusuf during the 2019 governorship election in the state.
Mr Ganduje has split the historic emirate into five apparently to whittle-down Mr Sanusi’s influence.
But the Kano Emirates’ four kingmakers have filed a lawsuit before a court challenging Mr Ganduje’s decision to create new emirates.
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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