Headlines
Blasphemy: UNICEF urges federal, Kano governments to reverse sentence
Aminu Abdullahi
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the federal and Kano state governments to reverse a Shari’a Court judgment sentencing a minor to 10 years imprisonment for blasphemy.
Kano Focus reports that UNICEF representative in Nigeria Peter Hawkins made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday.
“The sentencing of this child – 13-year-old Omar Farouk – to 10 years in prison with menial labor is wrong.
“It also negates all core underlying principles of child rights and child justice that Nigeria – and by implication, Kano State – has signed on to.” Mr Hawkins said.
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It could be recalled that on August 10, 2020 a Shari’a Court sitting at Filin Hockey, Kano sentenced Omar Farouk having found him guilty of committing blasphemy during an argument with friends.
A Lagos-based lawyer Kola Alapinni appealed against the sentence on September 09, 2020.
Mr Hawkins said the sentence contravenes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and Nigeria’s Child Rights Act.
“This case further underlines the urgent need to accelerate the enactment of the Kano State Child Protection Bill so as to ensure that all children under 18, including Omar Farouq are protected – and that all children in Kano are treated in accordance with child rights standards,” said Mr Hawkins.
Kano state will not reverse judgment
However, spokesperson of the Kano High Courts Baba Jibo Ibrahim said the state government has not officially received UNICEF’s complaint.
Mr Ibrahim told Kano Focus that even when UNICEF lodges an official complaint the state government cannot overturn the judgment.
He noted that UNICEF is established by law and it knows that all nations and states have their own laws.
“Their allegation is false and selfish because they have no right to tell us what our laws should be.” He said.
Mr Ibrahim told Kano Focus that Omar Farouk is 16 years not 13 as claimed by UNICEF.
He added that Farouk was convicted for blasphemy according to the Kano State Shari’a Penal Code 2000 and Kano State Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
“He was convicted for an offence whose punishment is death but because he is a minor, the Kano state Sharia Code says he will not be sentenced to death but given a severe punishment.” Mr Ibrahim said.
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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