Headlines
Hanifa Abubakar: Court sentences Abdulmalik, Hashim to death by hanging
Nasiru Yusuf
Kano State High Court on Thursday sentenced to death by hanging the Proprietor of Nobel Kids Academy and North West Preparatory School, Abdulmalik Tanko, the principal suspect who masterminded the kidnap and killing of 5- year-old school girl, Hanifa Abubakar.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Presiding Judge, Justice Usman Na’abba gave the order while delivering his judgment on Thursday.
Justice Na’abba also convicted Tanko to five years imprisonment for four count charges leveled against him.
Recall that the trio of Abdulmalik (Proprietor of Nobel Kids Academy and North West Preparatory School) alongside his accomplice, Hashim Isyaku and Fatima Jibrin were arraigned before the court by the Kano State government on five count charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, confinement and culpable homicide contrary to section 97, 274, 277, 221 of the penal code.
The State High Court Judge, Justice Usman Na’aba found guilty the 2nd and 3rd accused Persons, Hashim Isiyaku and Fatima Musa guilty in four counts charges in the case of the Murder of the Five year Hanifa Abubakar sometimes last year
Delivering Judgement, Justice Usman Naaba, said the five Count Charges included the Kidnapping of Hanifa Abubakar, attempt to kidnap her, Counseling of kidnapping her, abatement, and poisoning her to death.
Background
Earlier Abdulmalik Tanko, Hashim Isyaku, and Fatima Musa were arraigned on February 14 this year on five count charges of criminal conspiracy, attempt to kidnap, abetment, kidnapping, killing, and concealing dead body.
In his acceptance speech prosecution counsel who doubles as Kano Attorney General, Barrister Musa Abdullahi Lawan described Hanifa’s murder as a crime against humanity and prayed the court to ensure justice for the killing of the underage girl.
The Kano State governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje had earlier pledged to sign the death sentence when passed by the court.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
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.
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Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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