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Edo governorship election: Ganduje, Shekarau, Kwankwaso canvass Northern community
Nasiru Yusuf
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state, who is the Chairman APC Gubernatorial Election in Edo state, and his former boss Rabi’u Kwankwaso have visited Northern community residing in Edo state soliciting votes for their candidates.
At a special campaign rally at Eyean/Kara Junction 2+2, a densely populated community of Northerners, that took place, Sunday, Mr Ganduje told them that, the upcoming Saturday election, was a struggle for freedom and emancipation.
He challenged the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that what Edo people need is “An indigenous governor who has indigenous knowledge of the state and who was born, bred and schooled in Edo state.
“We are here for a history, for a memorable occasion. History has been made here today. This election is won by the Grace of Allah, as we are presenting to you, somebody who is loved by his people. People should come out and vote enmasse.”
Mr Ganduje urged the Northern communities to continue living in peace with their host reminding them that security is one of the major concerns of APC in the state.
Former National Chairman of the party Adams Oshiomhole and the gubernatorial candidate Ize-Iyamu expressed their profound appreciation, and charged the gathering to vote APC in the forthcoming governorship election.
The former governor of Kano state and senator representing Kano central in the Senate Ibrahim Shekarau, who spoke at the rally, urged voters to always be ready to support the party during the polls, adding that, “Voters should strive hard to conduct themselves peacefully during the election. I am also urging you to work hard and pray hard.”
Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the gubernatorial candidate for APC, promised to bring back peace and security of the state, when elected into office, come September 19th, this year.
Arewa community endorses APC
Chairman of All Arewa Communities in Edo state Badamasi Babangida, who spoke on behalf of all Arewa communities in the state, assured the gathering that, their votes were entirely for APC’s Ize-Iyamu at the governorship polls.
He recalled that, Arewa communities started facing challenges in Edo state shortly after 8 year tenure of Oshiomhole when the current governor Godwin Obaseki started running the affairs of the state.
He later presented a Letter of Endorsement to the APC gubernatorial candidate, Ize-Iyamu through governor Ganduje reassuring their total and unalloyed support to his candidature.
Mr Ganduje has also paid a visit to the Enogie of Eyaen, Osazuwa Iduriase in his palace where he commended the him for a peaceful reign over his jurisdiction.
“Your Royal Highness we are in Edo to address the Northern communities and ask for their support to vote for our candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, slated for this Month of September, on 19th.”
“As we are aware that our traditional rulers are fathers to all, we still believe that, good children seek blessings of their fathers. That is why we are here,” he said.
The visit, according to the governor, marks the beginning of good relationship between Kano state and the palace of the Enogie.
In his brief remarks, the Enogie showed his appreciation of the visit and thanked the governor for the respect accorded them few months back when the Oba of Benin was in Kano for a special visit then.
“I am, on behalf of my people, commending you, Your Excellency, the governor of Kano state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for promoting peaceful election in our state,” he concluded.
Kwankwaso commissions Hajj Camp
Also on Saturday the former governor of Kano state Rabi’u Kwankwaso has accompanied the Edo state governor Godwin Obaseki to seek the votes of Northern community residing in Benin City, Edo state.
Mr Kwankwaso has also commissioned Edo state Hajj Camp in Benin city with an appeal to Muslim community to turn out en masse on September 19 to vote PDP.
He described governor Obaseki as the bridge builder between Northern Nigeria and southern part of the country.
The former governor commended Obaseki’s sterling performance in his four year term, noting that he deserved reelection to consolidate on this achievement.
“Let me also thank Edo people and Muslims in the state for supporting present administration in the state.
“This is the time for all of us who have our Permanent Voter’s Card (PVCs) and are eligible to vote to come out en masse and ensure that we cast our votes for the PDP.
“I equally appeal to all of you especially those from the Northern part of the country to ensure you cast votes for the PDP come September 19, 2020.
“Please vote for the PDP, defend your votes and ensure Obaseki and his deputy, Shaibu win the forthcoming election in the state. I also call on you to ensure you pray for a peaceful atmosphere in the state.
“On the day of the election remember what the governor has done for the Muslims as well as the entire people of Edo state. I am glad to have an opportunity to commission this Hajj Camp. Thank you, your excellency for the way you handled Muslims as well as the support you have given to them in the state,” Kwankwaso added.
In his remarks the PDP governorship candidate Obaseki thanked the Muslims for ensuring peaceful coexistence with people of other religions in the state as the peace enjoyed in the state has led to the development recorded in all the local government areas.
“We should see our strength in diversity. As a government we are for all Edo people. We have never had any difficult in attending to the needs of Edo,” the governor said.
Mr Obaseki applauded former governor Kwankwaso for participating in the commissioning of Hajj Camp in the state, assuring the Muslim community of more developmental projects if reelected.
Hauwa Umar
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a device verification platform to strengthen regulatory compliance, protect consumers and curb the circulation of counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised communication devices in Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commission said the NCC Device Checker Platform would enable consumers to verify the regulatory approval status of SIM-enabled devices before purchasing them, while helping ensure that devices connected to Nigerian telecommunications networks meet established technical standards.
The Kano Zonal Controller of the NCC, Engr. Maigana Gidado, disclosed this on Thursday during a media briefing at the commission’s zonal office in Kano.
Engr. Gidado said the initiative was part of the commission’s efforts to strengthen Type Approval compliance and improve the integrity of communication devices used on Nigerian networks.
According to him, the commission has made progress in implementing the initiative through the regularisation and licensing of device dealers, as well as sensitisation engagements with importers and other industry stakeholders.
He said the commission had streamlined its licensing and regularisation processes, enabling a significant number of device dealers in Kano State to obtain licences.
The NCC had also conducted stakeholder sensitisation engagements in Lagos and other parts of the country to improve awareness of Type Approval requirements and obligations under the Device Checker framework.
“These initiatives have strengthened accountability across the device supply chain and improved compliance with regulatory requirements,” he said.
Engr. Gidado added that the commission had developed a user-friendly Device Checker application that allows authorised stakeholders to scan device International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and upload information directly to the platform.
He said the application was designed to simplify compliance procedures, improve efficiency and make the verification process more accessible to relevant industry participants.
The zonal controller urged consumers to verify the status of devices before purchasing them through the commission’s *Check Your Device* portal at [www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker](http://www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker) by entering the device’s IMEI number.
He also directed manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to consult the Type Approval and Device Verification Guide available at [www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide](http://www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide) to understand their responsibilities under the regulatory framework.
According to him, organisations seeking Equipment Type Approval can access the relevant application requirements and procedures through the Type Approval section of the commission’s website.
Engr. Gidado, however, clarified that the Device Checker Platform was not a surveillance tool and would not access users’ personal data, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other private content stored on their devices.
He explained that the platform’s purpose was limited to device identification and verification of regulatory compliance.
The NCC urged consumers to patronise reputable and licensed dealers and take advantage of its online resources to make informed purchasing decisions.
It also encouraged industry stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the commission’s Type Approval requirements and ensure full compliance.
Engr. Gidado said consumers requiring assistance or wishing to lodge complaints could contact the commission through its 315 toll-free consumer line.
He reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to consumer protection, fair competition and network integrity, adding that the commission would continue to promote a trusted communications ecosystem in Nigeria.
Suspect returned to Kano to face investigation, prosecution
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has arrested a suspected gang leader and sponsor, Ishaq Lawan Ibrahim, popularly known as Malam Keya, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
KANO FOCUS reports that the 27-year-old suspect, from Yelwa in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, is accused of sponsoring violent gang clashes that have claimed lives and heightened insecurity in parts of the state.
The task force disclosed this in a statement, saying the suspect was arrested following intelligence-led operations after allegedly fleeing Kano as security operations against gang violence intensified.
According to the statement, operatives tracked him to Port Harcourt and arrested him in an operation led by the task force’s Head of Operations, CSP Bashir Gwadabe. He has since been returned to Kano.
The task force alleged that Malam Keya played a leading role in orchestrating and financing hoodlums involved in violent attacks in Dala and other affected communities.
The areas reportedly affected by the gang violence include Jakara, Madigawa, Yalwa, Sanka, Kul Kul, Dogon Nama, Kukar Bulukiya, Dala, Shatsari and Dandalin Turawa.
Confirming the arrest, the task force chairman, Barr Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said the operation demonstrated the agency’s determination to pursue suspected sponsors of violence beyond Kano State.
“Let me assure you that those who bankroll violence should know that no distance, and no hiding place, will protect them. This arrest is only the beginning. We will not rest until peace is fully restored,” he said.
The task force said the suspect remained in custody for further investigation and would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation.
It added that its operations would continue in accordance with the law, with all suspects entitled to due process.
The agency also pledged to sustain efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, identify their alleged sponsors and disrupt drug supply networks linked to criminal activities.
It urged residents, community and religious leaders, parents and youths to support security efforts by reporting suspicious persons and activities, monitoring their neighbourhoods and discouraging young people from being recruited into criminal gangs.
The task force described public cooperation as essential to restoring peace and security across the state.
It also acknowledged the support of the Kano and Rivers state police commands and other law enforcement agencies in the operation.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Police Command has foiled an alleged kidnapping plot in Gezawa Local Government Area and arrested two 20-year-old suspects over threats to abduct a village head.
KANO FOCUS reports that the suspects, identified as Aliyu Naziru Garba and Bashir Alhasan, were arrested following intelligence-led operations by police operatives attached to the Gezawa Divisional Police Headquarters.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.
According to the statement, the incident was reported on October 26, 2026, at about 1:30 a.m. by the village head of Bangare, Mallam Idris, who told the police that he had received a threatening phone call from an unidentified person on October 24 at about 9:33 p.m.
The caller allegedly threatened to kidnap him.
Following the report, police operatives launched a follow-up operation, which led to the arrest of the two suspects.
“The suspects have confessed to the commission of the crime,” the statement said, adding that investigations were ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court upon completion.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended officers of the Gezawa Division for their swift and professional response.
Bakori reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities and said the operation aligned with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which prioritises intelligence-led and technology-driven policing, professionalism and proactive crime prevention.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station.
The command also provided the following emergency contact numbers for reporting security concerns: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.
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