Headlines
3 more children rescued as panel on Kano abducted children submits report
Nasiru Yusuf
The Judicial Commission of Enquiry set up by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to probe the abduction and forceful conversion to Christianity of 10 Kano children by Igbo kidnappers, has submitted its report to the governor.
KANO FOCUS recalls that the probe panel was set up in October 2019 to investigate cases of missing persons in Kano from 2010 to 2019 following the uproar generated by the abduction of the Kano kids.
On November 11, 2019, the Nigeria Police Force had arrested one Paul Onwe and his wife, Mercy along with other 6 suspects accused of kidnapping 10 children from Kano state and sold in Anambra.
The children, aged between two and 10 years, were said to have been kidnapped from various locations within the state capital, sold and converted to Christianity in Anambra.
Chairman of the commission, Justice Wada Umar Rano, who submitted the panel’s findings at the Government House, Kano on Wednesday, recommended the prosecution of other suspected kidnappers who were identified in the course of the work.
Mr Rano said three more children have been rescued and reunited with their families after they were kidnapped and taken to Lagos state in January 2020.
“Your Excellency we were able to, through various testimonies of the witnesses unearthed the activities of notorious and suspected kidnapper Amina Gaya with her accomplices,” he told the governor.
The retired judge, who commended Mr Ganduje for setting up the panel, said they received testimonies from 186 witnesses and analyzed 99 memoranda.
“Sir we received 186 witnesses and we received 99 Memoranda. Your Excellency our recommendations will help in avoiding the re-occurrence of this unfortunate incident in the future,” he said.
‘Between humanity and criminality’
In his response Mr Ganduje said the issue of kidnapping in the state is beyond ethnic and religious dimensions.
“It was that thinking that led us to think of instituting this Commission of Enquiry. So whoever thinks the move is between Kano and other tribes does not get the matter correctly. Ours is drawing a line between humanity and criminality,” he said.
According to a statement by Abba Anwar, Mr Ganduje’s chief press secretary, the governor implied that the panel will be retained in order to effectively implement its recommendations as well as identify further cases of missing persons in the state.
The commission has representatives from security agencies, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Federation of Muslim Women, Igbo community in Kano, Nigeria Union of Journalists and civil society organizations among others.
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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