Headlines
Ganduje unveils Kano anthem, promises state legislation
Mukhtar Yahaya Usman
The Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Sunday, unveiled the state’s anthem in an effort to inculcate patriotism maximally into the citizens of the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Ganduje said his administration would do everything possible to continue to preserve the history, culture and business excellence of the state, for the overall development of the country.
At the unveiling ceremony which took place at Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, Ganduje commended his wife, Prof Hafsat Abdullahi Ganduje for her ingenuity in kick-starting the process that resulted in the development of the state anthem.
“I am glad to say that, what Her Excellency, my dear wife thought of, in developing the state anthem, has come to fruition. She did well and she deserves our commendation,” he said.
“We are here in order to show love for our state, our culture, our costumes, our history and to appreciate our state in general,” he said.
“Ours is to promote love, a deep sense of responsibility and to also show the greatness of our dear state. As our national Anthem is bringing us together for the service and unity of our motherland, so also this state Anthem will follow the same pattern at the state level,” he maintained.
For the state anthem to gain more ground, the governor noted that the executive is taking it to the state House of Assembly for legislation.
The anthem showcases how the state excels in commerce, traditional leadership, scholarship, agriculture and hospitality, which stem from rich culture and history.
Headlines
Islamic Forum demands justice over alleged abduction, forced conversion of minor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Islamic Forum of Nigeria has condemned what it described as the abduction, rape and forced conversion of a minor, Walida Abdulhadi, allegedly by an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), calling for justice, transparency and equal treatment under the law.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Acting Executive Secretary, Dalhatu Gwarzo, the Forum expressed outrage over the alleged actions of the suspect, identified as Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, accusing him of abducting the girl, sexually assaulting her, forcing her to convert her religion and subjecting her to a forced abortion.
The group described the alleged incident as a grave violation of human rights, religious freedom and the rule of law, insisting that the matter should not be treated lightly because of the suspect’s status as a security operative.
The Forum also criticised what it termed the silence of sections of the media and religious bodies, particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), over the case. It compared the situation with the widely publicised Ese Oruru case, in which Yunusa Dahiru was convicted and sentenced to 26 years’ imprisonment.
According to the Forum, the contrast in reactions raises concerns about selective outrage and double standards in the pursuit of justice.
“Where is the media outrage? Where are the public campaigns demanding justice for Walida?” the statement queried, adding that justice should not depend on the religious identity of either the victim or the alleged perpetrator.
The Forum called on the DSS to ensure transparency in its investigation and to allow the law to take its full course, including prosecuting the suspect for alleged offences such as kidnapping and statutory rape.
It also urged the judiciary to ensure an expedited and open trial, stressing that Walida should be released immediately to her parents in line with an existing court directive.
The organisation further appealed to the media to report the case with the same intensity accorded similar past incidents and called on the Federal Government to guarantee the safety of the victim and her family.
“The Muslim Ummah will not remain silent while its daughters are abducted, violated and forced out of their faith,” the statement said.
Headlines
Kwankwasiyya appoints new spokespersons to strengthen communication strategy
Nura Abdullahi
The Kwankwasiyya Movement Nigeria has appointed two new spokespersons as part of efforts to strengthen its communication structure and enhance engagement with the public and the media.
In a statement released on Tuesday by Dr Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata on behalf of Kwankwasiyya, the Movement announced the appointment of Alhaji Habib Saleh Mailemo as Spokesperson I and Capt. Mansur Umar Kurugu as Spokesperson II.
According to the statement, the appointments are in line with Kwankwasiyya’s strategic repositioning in response to emerging political realities, where clear ideology, coherent messaging and disciplined communication are considered critical.
Mailemo, as Spokesperson I, will serve as the official voice of the Movement on political positions, policy perspectives and overall strategic direction. Capt. Kurugu, as Spokesperson II, will support coordinated messaging, provide rapid responses to developments and drive grassroots-focused communication.
The leadership of the Movement, under its national leader, Engr. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, expressed confidence that the new spokespersons will further project Kwankwasiyya as a people-oriented political movement anchored on social justice, equity and progressive leadership.
The statement also informed members of the public and the media that all official communications from the Kwankwasiyya Movement will henceforth be issued through the appointed spokespersons.
Kwankwasiyya reaffirmed its commitment to the masses and to the promotion of principled and issue-based politics in Nigeria.
The statement was signed by Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata on behalf of the Kwankwasiyya Movement Nigeria.
Headlines
Kano Police arrest four in anti-drug operations, recover cannabis, other substances
Nura Abdullahi
The Kano State Police Command has recorded major successes in its ongoing campaign against drug trafficking and abuse, with the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of large quantities of illicit substances across the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the operations were carried out in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on sustained intelligence-led patrols and proactive crime prevention as stated by the police.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, operatives attached to the Fagge Police Division, while on intelligence-led surveillance patrol on January 25, 2026, intercepted a tricycle at Triumph Roundabout.

A search of the tricycle revealed two sacks containing 157 parcels of dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa. Two suspects, Amadu Ado and Salisu Lurwanu, both males from Kulliya Village in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, were arrested in connection with the seizure.

In a separate operation conducted on January 24, 2026, at about 5:25 p.m., the Command’s Rapid Response Team (RRT), acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, raided identified black spots across the Kano metropolitan area.
The raid led to the arrest of two additional suspects, Usman Hamisu, 22, and Auwal Abdullahi, 25. Items recovered from them included 40 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, 20 pieces of rubber solution, half a roll of dried leaves believed to be cannabis, and 10 small bottles of a substance popularly known as “Suck and Die.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the officers involved in the successful operations, describing their efforts as a boost to the command’s resolve to rid the state of drug-related crimes.
He urged residents of Kano State to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926.
The Kano State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, assuring the public of continued efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents.
