Headlines
Woman docked for alleged N5.6m Fraud
Nasiru Yusuf
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kano Zonal Command has on Wednesday arraigned Ebonine Rita Uzoamaka, before Justice Maryam Sabo of the Kano State High Court sitting in Milla Road Bompai, Kano for alleged fraud.
KANO FOCUS reports that the petitioner, Ochayi Anthony Eneche, was allegedly persuaded to invest the sum of five million six hundred and sixty thousand Naira in a business by the defendant, a colleague of his at Sonia Food Industry Limited Lagos. After making the payment into an Access bank account of the defendant, he was assured that the goods will be delivered in three days but the promise was not kept.
Investigation revealed that on February 26, the defendant informed the complainant that his goods were already in Kano with FG Logistic Transport Company.
He went there the next day but found no trace of the items.
The charge read, “that you EBONINE RITA UZOAMAKA on or about 15th to 23rd January, 2021 at Kano within the Jurisdiction of the Honourable Court dishonestly misappropriated certain property to wit: the sum of N5,660,000.00 (Five Million Six Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira Only) belonging to Ochayi Anthony which you caused to be paid into your bank account number 0093030293 domiciled with Access Bank Plc for the supply of D-Rice Baking Powder from Aba Abia State and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 and Punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code.
The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charge.
In view of her plea, prosecuting counsel Salihu Sani asked the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Facility and fix a date for trial to commence.
But the defence counsel, urged the court to allow the dependent to continue with the administrative bail earlier granted her by the EFCC.
He added that the defendant is in the process of settling the matter with the nominal complainant.
Prosecution counsel informed the court that he was served with the bail motion this morning and he needed time to respond. Sani added that the Commission was not a party to the settlement mentioned by the defence counsel.
Justice Sabo ordered the defendant to continue on administrative bail granted her by the EFCC pending the hearing and determination of her bail application.
The matter has been adjourned till October 7.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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.
