Headlines
Appeal court reverses CCT’s suspension of Kano anti-corruption chairman
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Friday, set aside the Code of Conduct Tribunal judgment, suspending the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appellate court, in a lead judgment delivered by Justice Umaru Fadawu, agreed with the arguments of Rimingado’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), that the tribunal’s order was prejudicial and amounted to a denial of fair hearing for his client.
Justice Fadawu ordered that the matter be reassigned to another panel of the CCT.
Recall that a three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Danladi Umar, on April 4, in Abuja, ordered the suspension of Magaji from office.
The tribunal gave the order following allegations of misconduct brought against Magaji by the Code of Conduct Bureau.
Justice Umar in his ruling, held that the tribunal had the competence and jurisdiction to hear the case and dismissed Magaji’s motion.
The tribunal also ordered Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State and the Secretary to the State Government to appoint the most appropriate officer to take over as acting chairman of the PCACC, pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The tribunal declared that Magaji cannot continue to discharge duties and responsibilities of the office while facing trial, to avoid any interference with the case.
Dissatisfied with the ruling of the tribunal, Magaji, through his counsel, Adedipe, approached the Appellate court in Abuja.
In the notice of appeal dated and filed April 5 through his counsel, Magaji, gave five grounds why his appeal should be allowed and the CCT’s ruling be set aside by the appellate court.
He argued, “The CCT erred in law when it denied him a right to fair trial, fair hearing, and right to be presumed innocent by making an order directing him to step aside as the chairman of PCACC, thereby determining his guilt at an interlocutory stage.”
Among others, he described the ruling as “a miscarriage of justice.”
He also contended, stating, “The tribunal erred in law when, without the requisite jurisdiction, it granted the reliefs sought by the CCB, giving specific orders to Gov. Yusuf and SSG, knowing full well that they are not parties to the present charge as constituted; it thereby occasioned a miscarriage of justice.”
He further said that the tribunal erred in law when it adjudged him as capable of interfering with CCB’s witnesses in PCACC, even though no material evidence was put forward to support such a speculative claim.
He also argued that the tribunal erred in law when it acted without jurisdiction and denied him a right to fair trial by making far-reaching findings which were speculative and prejudicial in nature.
He further argued that the CCT erred in law, acted without jurisdiction, and denied him a right to fair hearing, when, suo motu, it raised and determined issues of purported contradictions in his counter affidavit and further insisted he concede to the speculative facts in CCB’s further and better affidavit.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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.
