Headlines
N109bn fraud trial: No document missing in ex- AGF, Idris’ case file
Aminu Abdullahi
The alleged N109 billion corruption and money laundering trial of former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris continued on Wednesday before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory with a trial within trial to determine whether the statements made by the defendants to the EFCC were obtained voluntarily.
KANO FOCUS reports that Idris was re-arraigned alongside Olusegun Akindele, Mohammed Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited on October 27, 2022 on a 13-counts charge that bordered on alleged misappropriation of the sum of N109 billion.
The court had on November 23, 2022 adjourned hearing in the case after counsel to the 1st defendant objected to further evidence by prosecution witness, Hayatudeen Suleiman who had been examined on 13 of the statements made by the 1st defendant.
He was testifying on the 13th statement already presented to the court when the defence objected, alleging that the statement was obtained from the defendant under duress.
The trial resumed today for a trial within trial to prove the voluntariness, or otherwise, of the statements by the defendants.
Attempt by the defence counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, to argue the contention of the 1st defendant that his statements were obtained under duress was objected to by Leke Atolagbe who appeared for the prosecution.
He argued that the onus was on the prosecution to prove that the statements by the defendants were obtained voluntarily. The court agreed with him.
However, proceedings could however not continue after the defence counsel, Uche, SAN observed that the 13th statement obtained on 5th July, 2022, on which the prosecution counsel sought to examine his witness, was omitted from the proof of evidence front-loaded to the court by the prosecution.
The prosecution acknowledged the inadvertent omission and sought for an adjournment to produce the statement.
Justice Halilu Yusuf adjourned till May 11, for continuation of trial.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Kano State Police Command to take over the investigation of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II following the violent incident that marred the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.
This directive replaces an earlier move by the Force Headquarters, which had invited the Emir to Abuja for questioning. That invitation has now been withdrawn, as the IGP opts for a more localized and less politically sensitive approach.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP’s decision followed consultations with key stakeholders who advised that handling the matter within Kano would help avoid escalating tensions or creating political interpretations of police action.
Tensions erupted on Sallah Day when Emir Sanusi, after attending Eid prayers barefooted, mounted a horse and led a procession through the streets — a move seen as defying a prior agreement by the two rival emirs to suspend all Durbar activities to preserve peace.
The procession allegedly involved local vigilantes and triggered clashes with youths in the area, resulting in the death of one Usman Sagiru and injuries to several others.
According to police, intelligence had earlier warned of potential conflict if the disputed emirs — Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Alhaji Sanusi — went ahead with separate Durbar festivals.
As a preventive measure, senior officers were deployed to broker peace, leading to an agreement that no horse-riding or processions would take place.
Despite this, Emir Sanusi’s actions sparked violence, prompting police investigations and arrests.
The Force maintains that it will pursue justice with professionalism and neutrality.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has invited the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, for questioning in connection with a violent incident that occurred during the Eid-el-Fitr Sallah celebration.
KANO FOCUS recall that operatives of the Kano Police Command arrested one Usman Sagiru in connection with the alleged killing of a vigilante member, Surajo Rabiu, in an attack on the entourage of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Another vigilante member, Aminu Suleman, sustained injuries and was rushed to the Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital, Kano, for medical treatment.
The Kano police command spokesman, SP Abdullahi Haruna, said the incident occurred while the local guards were protecting the entourage of Emir Sanusi II on their way from the Kofar Mata Eid prayer ground after observing the two rakat eid-el-fitr prayers.
In a letter addressed to Sanusi, the IG asked the Kano monarch to appear at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, to answer some questions regarding the incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within his domain.
The letter was signed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olajide Ibitoye, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department.
The letter reads, “I have the directives of the Inspector General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) to invite you for an investigative meeting with regards to an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within your domain.
“In view of the above, you are hereby invited to Force Intelligence Department, opposite Police Force Headquarters Area 11. Abuja by 1000hrs of Tuesday, the 8th of April, 2025. Your availability is highly sought for a purposeful investigation.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed grief over the passing of Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the Galadiman Kano and senior Kano Emirate official.
KANO FOCUS reports that Abbas Sanusi died at 92 after a protracted illness. Many children and grandchildren survive him.
Among his children is Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, the Kano State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Special Adviser to the President Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga President Tinubu described the deceased as a strong pillar of the traditional institution, its survival and development.
The President said the services of the late Sanusi, a titleholder since 1959, would be appreciated far beyond Kano Emirate and Kano State.
President Tinubu condoled with the government and people of Kano State, the Kano Emirate Council and the family of the late chief for the irreparable loss.
The President prayed to Allah to admit the Galadima in Jannatul Firdaus and comfort the family.
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