Headlines
Alleged $1.3m fraud: Judge insists on Kano APC senatorial candidate, A A Zaura’s arraignment
Nasiru Yusuf
A Federal High Court, sitting in Kano presided over by Justice Nasir Yunusa has insisted that the Kano Central senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC Abdusalam Abdulkarim popularly known as AA Zaura, must answer to the alleged $1.3 million fraud charges against him.
KANO FOCUS reports that when the case came up in court, on Thursday, Yunusa insisted that the position of the constitution and the law is that Zaura, accused of allegedly defrauding a non-Nigerian to the tune of $1.3 million must be arraigned before any other matter is heard.
The Counsel to AA Zaura, Ibrahim Waru, had said that the court lacks jurisdiction to, in the first instance, hear the case because his client had appealed the retrial judgement of a Federal Court of Appeal also sitting in Kano at the Supreme Court.
However, the presiding judge said that his court is bound to hear the case because they have not received any appeal notification and as such, Zaura must be produced in the court.
Therefore by the position of the Court, the Counsel to EFCC, Barrister A I Arogha said they would make sure they bring Zaura before the court, including possibly arresting him if he declined to be in the court.
Mr Arogha, urged the court to decline attending the defendant applications. He said “The application is not ripe for hearing since the defendant is not in court and we served the Prosecution our written addresses on Nov.7”
Counsel to Zaura, Mr Waru, objected the prosection prayer saying that “The Prosecution served us with their written addresses on Nov.9, we need time to reply on point of law.”
Justice Yunusa adjourned the case for the arraignment of AA Zaura and hearing of the appeal application to December 5, 2022.
It could be recalled the Court of Appeal Kano division ordered a fresh retrial of Abdulsalam Zaura discharged and acquitted by a Federal High Court over a nine-count charge of $1.3 million fraud.
The EFCC filed a charge of criminal conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of $1.3 million against the defendant.
At the last adjourn date, the prosecution counsel, Aisha Habib, told the court that the defendant was nowhere to be found for arraignment.
“This is a criminal case and the defendant must be in court to answer his plea even if he is challenging the jurisdiction of the court to arraign him.
“This is a total disrespect, the defendant have to be in court before he can file an application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to arraign him,” Habib 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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