Headlines
Hanifa Abubakar: Court admits suspects’ confessional statement as exhibit
Nasiru Yusuf
The Kano State High Court presided over by Justice Usman Na’abba ruled that the confessional statement of Abdulmalik Tanko, the alleged killer of five year old Hanifa Abubakar and his accomplice Fatima Jibril Musa was obtained voluntarily without without threat or intimidation as alleged by the defense counsel.
KANO FOCUS reports that at the last adjourned day the lead defense counsel, Mukhtar Usman Kabo argued that the confessional statements of Tanko and Musa sought to be tendered as exhibit by prosecution was obtained under duress, threat and intimidation.
During trial-within-trial proceeding conducted earlier, Lurwan Ibrahim, a police sergeant testified that he recorded the statement of Tanko and Musa in conducive atmosphere.
Under cross examination, Ibrahim denied using electric shocking device on defendant while obtaining his statement.
”It was an open office, there was light and fan. I recorded their statements in front of my colleagues” he stated
Similarly in their separate testimonies, Police Inspector, Muhammad Yanfa and ASP Sani Hussaini Kyarma told the court that the confessional statements of both Tanko and Musa were obtained voluntarily without torture, threat, intimidation or harassment.
In his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Usman Naabba said based on the evidences adduced before the court, the two confessional statements were recorded voluntarily without any harassment, duress or torture.
”I found Sergeant Lurwan as cogent and reliable witness. I believed there were so many people in the office when the statements of the defendants were taken”
” The defense counsel neither shake nor contradicted the testimonies of the 3 police officers who testified during the mini trial.”
The trial judge maintained that Ms Musa’s testimony revealed that she was neither beaten nor threaten.
He further maintained that Tanko has failed to mention the police officer who brought him out of the cell and tortured him.
Justice Naabba, consequently adjourned the case to March 22 for continuation of hearing.
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.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
