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N109bn fraud trial: No document missing in ex- AGF, Idris’ case file

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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.

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Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS

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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.

 

 

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Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor

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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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Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him

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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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