Headlines
Kano Court Halts Arrest of Gov. Yusuf’s Spokesperson Amid Ganduje’s Allegations
In a significant development highlighting Kano’s escalating political rivalry, a High Court has issued a restraining order against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), DSS, and other security agencies, barring them from arresting Malam Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the Director General of Media and Publicity to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
This legal reprieve follows allegations by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, acting National Chairman of the APC, accusing Dawakin-Tofa of orchestrating his suspension at the APC ward level six months ago.
The court granted the ex-parte order on December 12, 2024, shielding Dawakin-Tofa from what his legal team described as “harassment and intimidation.”
The order also extends to several high-ranking officers, including the AIG Zone 1, Kano Commissioner of Police, and SP Mojirade Obisiji.
According to suit No. K/M2500/2024, the directive prohibits any action that could infringe upon Dawakin-Tofa’s fundamental rights to liberty, dignity, and freedom of movement.
The controversy erupted after Ganduje alleged a conspiracy spearheaded by Dawakin-Tofa, who hails from the same local government as Ganduje, and the NNPP-led Kano State Government.
Ganduje claimed they were behind his impending suspension, a move he described as an attempt to cripple his political influence.
Acting on Ganduje’s petition, the IGP had summoned Dawakin-Tofa to Abuja, alongside Ganduje’s APC ward executives, citing allegations of conspiracy and actions likely to breach public peace.
This confrontation, rooted in a longstanding power struggle between Kano’s two most prominent political figures, has further strained the already tense relationship between Ganduje and Governor Yusuf.
Dawakin-Tofa, through his legal counsels led by Barr. Haruna Musa Muhammad, countered the invitation with a lawsuit, describing it as a politically motivated move designed to tarnish his reputation and disrupt his duties.
The court also directed that all legal documents be served to the respondents, including the APC and senior police officers, through special bailiffs.
The animosity between Dawakin-Tofa and Ganduje dates back nine years to 2015, when Ganduje, as governor-elect, reportedly ordered Dawakin-Tofa’s arrest over his opposition during that year’s gubernatorial election.
In this latest twist, Ganduje allegedly briefed the IGP that Dawakin-Tofa was the mastermind behind his suspension by the APC ward executives.
Consequently, a team of 40 police officers from the IGP Monitoring Unit was reportedly mobilized to Kano with the sole aim of apprehending the governor’s spokesperson after he declined the IGP’s invitation.
Efforts to reach the National Police Spokesperson (FPPRO) were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages to his phone went unanswered.
Similarly, Dawakin-Tofa declined to comment on the matter, stating that it is already before the court.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 22, 2025.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
Kano business community thanks FG for N5bn Singer market relief
Kano Govt inaugurates 23-member committee to disburse Singer market fire relief
Kano Govt announces March 1 for schools’ Ramadan break
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