Headlines
Kano records 139 gender-based violence cases weekly — Amnesty International

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of Amnesty International Auwal Musa Rafsanjani has decried unreported cases of human rights abuse in Nigeria, adding that no fewer than 139 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) are reported weekly in Kano State.
KANO FOCUS reports that Rafsanjani disclosed this on Friday during a Media Parley, with journalista in Kano.
He said the group is worried that human rights abuses are on the rise in Nigeria, yet there are not enough reports from the press.

According to him, these abuses are by military and security agencies, and there is an urgent need for media practitioners to heighten the calls for security accountability and ensure that accountability is included in the military framework in Nigeria.
He was, however, worried that many documented cases of human rights violations, like the 2017 Board of Inquiry to review compliance by the Armed Forces with human rights, are yet to be made public.
The Executive Director, Women in Media Communication Initiative, Halima Ben Umar, disclosed that GBV is seriously on the rise in Kano, expressing worries that the media seems to be silent on it.
Umar stated that just within a week, over 139 cases were captured by her group. The abuses are physical torture, trauma, stigma, and suffering, which calls for urgent actions to address them.
Speaking on the occasion, the Country Director of Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi, hinted that they have already developed a comprehensive human rights agenda and handed it to the government. This is to say that if they don’t have one, this is theirs to work on.
Sanusi, therefore, disclosed that, “Unfortunately, today there are no social safeguards for the poor and vulnerable.
“We people should have rights to education and health care because these services should be readily available for everyone”.
He told the media that despite pressure from the authorities, they maintained solid support for Amnesty International, which has given them enough courage to continue their good jobs.
Sanusi noted that the judicial panels of inquiry set up by the 29 State Governors in the wake of the #EndSars protest in 2020 are yet to be implemented, as are so many other commitments.

Headlines
Salary fraud: Kano uncovers N28m in local government payroll

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has uncovered irregularities in the payroll system of local government councils, as no fewer than 247 staff members were discovered to have either retired from service or died.
KANO FOCUS reports that the discovery revealed that the names of the affected local government staff have been appearing in the payroll and their salaries are running.
A statement by the Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State GovernmenMusa Tanko Muhammad, said these fraudulent salary payments amount to a sum of ₦27,824,395.40 for March 2025 alone.
“In a decisive move towards cleansing the state payroll, the Kano State Government has recorded a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to reform the salary administration system within the state civil service.

“Arising from the validation exercise, a disturbing irregularity was uncovered within the payroll system of local government councils.
“The findings revealed that 247 individuals have either retired from service or died yet, have been appearing in the payroll and their salaries running. These fraudulent salary payments amount to a sum of ₦27,824,395.40 for the month of March, 2025 alone.
“In a prompt and effective response and while further due diligence is being conducted to determine the extent of this apparent fraud and the perpetrators, the amount has been recovered and returned to the Local Government Treasury,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the recovery underscores the administration’s dedication at entrenching governance, transparency, and responsible management of public resources.
“The government remains resolute in its commitment to purging the payroll system of irregularities.
“Individuals found to be involved in this fraudulent activity will be identified and held fully accountable in accordance with the law,” the statement added.

Headlines
Governor Yusuf Signs Laws Establishing Four New Agencies in Kano

Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed into law four landmark bills that establish new agencies designed to strengthen institutional frameworks and accelerate sustainable development across the state.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
The newly signed laws provide for the establishment of the following agencies:
1. Kano State Protection Agency (KASPA)

2. Kano State Signage and
Advertisement Agency (KASIAA)
3. Kano State Information and Communication Technologies Development Agency (KASITDA)
4. Kano State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (KASMEDA)
These laws, which are now part of the Kano State legal framework, are expected to stimulate innovation, support small businesses, regulate signage and advertising, and enhance public protection and service delivery.
Governor Yusuf described the signing as a significant step toward realizing his administration’s vision of a modern, inclusive, and economically vibrant Kano.
He emphasized that the new agencies will play a crucial role in job creation, investment attraction, and the efficient implementation of government initiatives.
“Our mission is to lay a solid foundation for a greater Kano. These laws go beyond policy — they are key instruments of transformation that will help drive our development agenda,” the Governor stated.
He also issued a strong warning that violations of the provisions of these laws will be met with strict penalties, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring compliance.
The establishment of these agencies reflects Governor Yusuf’s continued efforts to reform public institutions, improve governance, and position Kano as a leading center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.

Headlines
UTME: Kano suspends end of month sanitation exercise

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
In a bid to ensure the smooth conduct of the ongoing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, the Kano State Government has temporarily suspended the April 2025, End of month sanitation exercise.
KANO FOCUS reports that this decision was taken after careful consideration and consultation with relevant stakeholders, in an effort to allow students of Kano State to write their examination without any hitches.

In a statement issued by the Director Public Enlightenment of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ismail Garba Gwammaja has quoted the Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Dahiru M. Hashim saying that:
“The suspension is aimed at preventing any potential disruptions to the examination process and ensuring that candidates can sit for their exams without any hindrance.”
The Commissioner assured residents that the suspension is temporary for this month, and that the sanitation exercise will resume in its full force next month May 2025, in the state.
The Commissioner however, appeals to residents to cooperate with the authorities and understand the rationale behind this decision.
“We are committed to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that our sanitation activities do not conflict with other important events in the state,” the commissioner said.
While Commending the residents for their understanding and cooperation to the present administration, urged them to continue to avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste and cooperates with our sanitation staff to ensure clean and healthy environment always, and pray for the successful conduct of students who will sit for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
