Headlines
Kano Governor Receives 71 Detained Minors, Lauds Tinubu for Compassionate Decision
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for responding to public calls and releasing 76 detained minors, who had been arrested following the August 2024 protest.
In a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa governor Yusuf expressed his deep appreciation for the President’s compassion, which he described as a magnanimous gesture toward the youth of Kano State.
The Governor made these remarks after receiving the teenagers from Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa.
Governor Yusuf thanked President Tinubu for his understanding and for granting the minors a second chance.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his compassion in responding to the appeals from various stakeholders within and outside Nigeria.
“Mr. President has demonstrated remarkable empathy and commitment to justice, and we truly appreciate his gesture,” Governor Yusuf said.
The 76 minors, who had been detained in connection with the August protests, will be flown back to Kano where they will undergo a medical evaluation and receive necessary treatment before being reunited with their families.
Governor Yusuf assured that the children would be reintegrated into society through enrollment in local schools, providing them with opportunities to rebuild their lives and realize their full potentials.
“In light of the gravity of the charges against them, we recognize the importance of offering these children a second chance.”
“While their actions were regrettable, their status as minors should not deny them the opportunity to rehabilitate and contribute positively to society,” said Governor Yusuf.
A team of medical professionals has been designated to assess the physical and mental health of the released minors.
Following this, they will be reunited with their families and offered continued support to ensure they can live normal, productive lives.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the handover, emphasized that President Tinubu’s decision to pardon the teenagers was driven by humanitarian concerns.
“A total of 119 teenagers were detained in relation to the protests that caused significant financial loss, including over 3 billion naira. Of these, 76 were from Kano, and 73 have now been handed over to Governor Yusuf.
Three minors have already been reunited with their families, while 39 others from Kaduna State have been handed over to Governor Uba Sani,” the Vice President explained.
Governor Yusuf reassured that his administration would continue to monitor the well-being of the released minors and provide the necessary support to ensure their successful reintegration into society.
Headlines
Kwankwasiyya movement raises concern over judicial rulings, urges NJC intervention
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has expressed concern over what it described as a disturbing pattern of judicial pronouncements across Nigeria, calling on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to urgently intervene.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the movement’s spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, cited a recent judgment delivered by Justice Bello Kawu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, in a matter involving the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as part of a growing trend of controversial court rulings.
According to the statement, such developments are not isolated but reflect a broader pattern in which judicial actions appear to overstep constitutional boundaries, generate conflicting orders, and raise concerns about neutrality, due process, and adherence to the rule of law.
The movement noted that similar judicial interventions have occurred in the internal affairs of major political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), often resulting in confusion, factional disputes, and weakened party structures.
It also expressed concern over what it described as a growing tendency for courts of coordinate jurisdiction to issue conflicting rulings on similar matters, entertain cases already under appellate review, and, in some instances, disregard principles of fair hearing and procedural integrity.
The statement warned that such trends could erode established legal doctrines, including stare decisis, thereby undermining the consistency and predictability of the legal system.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement further stated that the situation is fueling public perception that elements within the judiciary are being drawn into political contests, which could weaken confidence in the courts.
“This is a dangerous trajectory for any democracy, particularly in a country preparing for critical electoral contests,” the statement said.
The group warned that if the trend continues, it could erode trust in democratic institutions, escalate political tensions, and undermine the credibility of future elections.
It therefore called on opposition parties to unite in resisting what it described as any abuse of the judiciary aimed at undermining democratic opposition in the country.
The movement also urged stakeholders to explore lawful and peaceful measures, including engaging civil society, raising international awareness, and organising legitimate public protests where necessary.
It specifically called on the National Judicial Council to review and address concerns surrounding conflicting and controversial judicial decisions, while urging judicial officers to uphold professionalism, fairness, and due process.
The statement also cautioned political actors against resorting to forum shopping and judicial manipulation in resolving internal party disputes.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic values and advocating for a system where the rule of law prevails, justice is impartial, and the will of the people is respected.
Headlines
Kano Govt approves modified Sallah Durbar for Emir Sanusi
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has approved a modified Sallah durbar for the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, ahead of the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
KANO FOCUS reports that the approval was contained in a press statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the decision followed credible intelligence reports received through the State Security Council, indicating attempts by some individuals to create confusion and disrupt law and order during the festive period.
The government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, reiterated its commitment to preserving Kano’s rich cultural heritage but stressed that it would not compromise its constitutional responsibility to maintain peace and safeguard lives and property.
Following consultations with the Kano Emirate Council and other stakeholders, the government outlined specific arrangements for the celebrations.
It stated that the traditional Hawan Idi (Eid Durbar) would be conducted by the Emir from the Kofar Mata Eid Praying Ground through designated routes to Gidan Shettima, terminating at Kofar Fatalwa within the Emir’s Palace.
The Hawan Nasarawa procession, the statement added, would take place in a modified form without the use of horses.
However, the government announced the suspension of Hawan Daushe, Hawan Fanisau, and Hawan Dorayi, noting that they would be observed during subsequent Sallah celebrations.
The government directed all security agencies to intensify surveillance, ensure strict compliance with the directives, and take necessary measures to prevent any breach of peace before, during, and after the celebrations.
It also urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies, while cautioning against the spread of unverified information.
The government commended security agencies for their professionalism and dedication, assuring the public of its commitment to a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
It also extended best wishes to Muslims in the state for a peaceful and joyous Sallah celebration.
Headlines
FRSC deploys 1,889 personnel in Kano for Eid-el-Fitr operations
Bosede Olufunmi
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 1,889 personnel across Kano State to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance safety during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Kano Sector Commander, Idris Mohammed-Lawal, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the corps’ Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Labaran.
According to the statement, the special patrol operations will run from Tuesday to Sunday, with the aim of reducing road crashes, fatalities, and injuries, while ensuring free flow of traffic across the state.
Mohammed-Lawal said the deployment comprises 1,348 regular marshals and 541 special marshals who will maintain 24-hour patrol operations across the 44 local government areas of the state.
He explained that the operation would be supported by five ambulances, one heavy-duty tow truck, and 25 patrol vehicles to ensure prompt rescue services and quick clearance of obstructions on the roads.
The sector commander added that enforcement efforts would focus on common traffic violations, including speeding, dangerous overtaking, lane indiscipline, overloading, use of mobile phones while driving, seat-belt violations, and use of mechanically deficient vehicles.
He further stated that the corps would collaborate with other security and emergency agencies to ensure effective traffic control and rapid response to incidents.
“These include the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency,” he said.
Mohammed-Lawal urged motorists and members of the public to report crashes or emergencies through the FRSC toll-free number 122 or 0700-CALL-FRSC.
He also wished Muslims a peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebration and advised motorists to obey traffic regulations, avoid speeding, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.
