Ninety- six suspects were arrested by the Nigeria Police in Kano following alleged attempts to disrupt peace in the state during Monday’s inauguration ceremony.

KANO FOCUS reports that State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, who disclosed this at a press conference held at the Command’s Bompai headquarters, Wednesday remarked that the arrest followed a series of crackdowns by his men.

He noted that the suspects, who were picked up differently across the state within the last one week included 56 suspected mobile phone robbers, 17 illicit drug related suspects, and 20 suspects who were arrested on account of attempts to commit violent crimes.

Items recovered from the suspects included five cartons of suspected Tramadol tablets, 83 sachets of suspected Diazepam and 371 pieces of rubber solution, including 12 parcels and 303 wraps of dried leaves.

Other recoveries from the suspects included 157 weapons, four locally made guns, one toy gun and 18 mobile phones as well as 34 ATMs .

He explained that preliminary investigations had led them to conclude that the suspects were saboteurs and sponsored criminals given that they were found with dangerous weapons and were also under the influence of drugs during their arrest

Usaini added that all the suspects would soon be charged to court even as he advised the members of the public to be law abiding.

He insisted that the Police would continue to match its words with actions until all the criminally minded persons in the state repented or decided to leave the state.

Aminu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sought the withdrawal of its amended charge against the Kano Central senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdulsalam Abdulkareem Zaura before the Federal high court sitting in Kano.

KANO FOCUS reports that prior to Wednesday’s retraction, EFCC at the last proceeding failed to produce prosecution witnesses to prove the criminal charges against the defendant, which necessitated another adjournment of the matter.

AA Zaura as fondly known is being held by the financial crime commission for alleged financial fraud in the sum of $1.3 million dollars in a prolong retrial involving a Kuwaiti nationale.

At the resumption of the matter before Justice Mohammad Nasir Yunusa on Wednesday, counsel to the EFCC, Aisha A.T Habeeb told the court the withdrawal of the application already served the defendant become pertinent to forestall possible delay in the case.

Although, Zaura through his counsel, Isyaka M. Dikko, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN had filed a motion on notice seeking the court’s convienent to struck out the amended charge for lacking in substance.

Earlier, Zaura informed the court of it’s pending motion on notice dated 12th April,2023 prayed for the court lordship order of stay of proceedings of the trial pending the hearing and determination of application on a related matter before the supreme court.

Zaura through his attorney, Dikko SAN contended that it would amount to double exercise for the lower court to continue with the matter presently pending before the apex court.

The senior lawyer told Justice Yunusa that application before the Supreme Court is challenging the Appeal court judgement that order the retrial after the defendant already discharged and acquitted.

In a counter argument, the prosecution counsel, Habeeb pledged for outright dismissal of the defendant application, insisted the motion was orchestrated to delay the trial.

Barrister Habeeb countered the defendant on the pending application before the supreme court, insisted the matter has already being decided by the apex court. The EFCC lawyer cited references of previous matters which disallowed criminal trial and allowed a concurrent proceeding.

In a swift response, Zaura’s lawyer Dikko SAN counter the objection of the prosecution, reaffirming that the application before the supreme court is rather pending and yet to be decided.

Even though, the EFCC stood her ground on the conviction that Supreme Court had already dismissed Zaura’s application, the prosecution was unable to furnish the court with prove of evidence when asked to do so.

In his ruling, Justice Yunusa ordered the parties to supply the court with necessary documents to back their claims. The case is adjourned to 13th July 2023 for ruling on the application.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), will be conferred with the esteemed National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award, among other notable Nigerians.

KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement was made in an advertorial signed by the Director General of the National Productivity Center, Dr. Nasir Olaitan Raji-Mustapha, heralding Danbatta’s exceptional achievements and significant contributions to the development and advancement of the Nigerian telecommunications industry.

The NPOM Award recognises individuals, who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective fields, and Danbatta’s recognition highlights his outstanding contributions to the NCC and the telecommunications sector as a whole.

During his tenure at the NCC, Danbatta has spearheaded several initiatives that have revolutionized the telecommunications landscape in Nigeria. His visionary leadership and strategic decisions have led to remarkable achievements and noteworthy milestones for the industry.

Some of the key accomplishments attributed to Danbatta’s tenure include the promotion of broadband penetration, consumer empowerment and protection, sustainable industry growth, and digital inclusion and innovation, among others.

Under the promotion of broadband penetration, Danbatta’s relentless efforts to enhance broadband connectivity across Nigeria have resulted in substantial improvements in internet access and affordability. This has played a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth.

In the area of consumer empowerment and protection, Danbatta has prioritized the interests and rights of telecom consumers, implementing consumer-centric policies and initiatives. Notably, the NCC’s Toll-Free Line for Consumer Complaints, introduced under his leadership, has provided an accessible platform for addressing consumer grievances and ensuring their protection.

With respect to sustainable industry growth, under Prof Danbatta’s guidance, the telecommunications sector has witnessed significant investments and healthy competition. His strategic leadership has fueled innovation, resulting in sustainable industry growth and a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy.

Also, recognizing the transformative power of digital technology, Danbatta has championed programmess to promote digital inclusion and empower marginalized communities in his efforts to deepen digital inclusion and innovation.  Initiatives such as the NCC’s Digital Nigeria Centre (DNC), formerly known as the School Knowledge Centers (SKCs) and Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs) have improved access to digital resources and enhanced emergency response capabilities across the nation.

The conferment of the 2023 NPOM Award on Danbatta serves as a testament to his remarkable achievements and exceptional leadership within the NCC. His contributions have not only positioned Nigeria as a key player in the global digital landscape but have also positively impacted the lives of millions of Nigerians.

The NPOM Award is a prestigious recognition that celebrates individuals, who have made significant contributions to productivity, innovation, and national development. Danbatta’s well-deserved recognition further solidifies his reputation as a transformative leader and industry trailblazer.

The entire telecommunications industry and the nation, at large, celebrate Danbatta’s achievements and extend their heartfelt congratulations on the conferment of the 2023 NPOM Award. His exemplary leadership and contributions serve as an inspiration to future generations and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to technological progress and national productivity.