Headlines
Abduljabbar suffers legal setback as Kano High Court fails to set aside debate outcome
Nasiru Yusuf
The Kano State High Court, presided over by Chief Judge, Justice Nura Sagir Umar refused to set aside the proceedings, verdict and recommendations of Salisu Shehu of Bayero University, Kano against Abduljabbar Nasiru.
KANO FOCUS reports that the court ruled that the outcomes of a panel after a debate between Abduljabar Nasiru Kabara, a cleric, who was accused of a making a blasphemous statement against the Prophet of Islam, and other clerics, stand.
The debate between Sheikh Kabara and some Kano Islamic scholars was conducted in the state on 10 July, 2021, and the Sheikhs were said to have defeated him.
Kabara later rejected the outcome of the debate, insisting that he was not given fair hearing, something that resulted to his legal actions against the recommendation of the debate.
Shehu, a director at Centre for Islamic Civilisation and interfaith dialogue at Bayero University, who was the anchor of the debate, recommended that, Abduljabar Nasiru Kabara, had failed woefully in the debate and as such it left to government to take appropriate measures against him.
However, Kabara rushed to court, kicking against the outcomes of the debate, but the State Chief Judge, Nura Sagir refused to set aside the outcomes of the debate, saying all the recommendation given out by the anchor of the debate, Shehu Salisu stand.
Trial of Abduljabbar Kabara
Abduljabbar Kabara had earlier appeared in a public debate organised by the Kano state government for him to defend his comments but refused to answer questions from his opponents, despite being the one who requested the public debate.
During the debate, the moderator, Salisu Shehu, a director at Centre for Islamic Civilisation and interfaith dialogue at Bayero University, Kano, ruled that Mr Kabara “consistently strayed off the topic of discussion and avoided answering questions asked him.”
Mr Shehu ruled that the cleric’s earlier comments on Prophet Muhammad’s companions “were his personal opinion, not part of Islamic teaching” as he claimed.
On every topic raised, Mr Kabara dodged questions and refused to open a book in his possession to clarify comments he made, citing short timing and not being fully prepared for the discussion, the judge said.
Two days after the public debate, Mr Kabara on Sunday offered an apology.
”If my comments on the contending issue are offensive, I seek God forgiveness and the entire Muslims faithful,” he said.
Mr Kabara said his comments were misinterpreted and that he was just trying to defend the sanctity of Prophet Muhammad.
He however, released a video on Facebook recently explaining why he could not respond to Kano clerics during the debate. And maintained his stand on controversial statements.
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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