Headlines
Accept Cookies: A Threat to Online Safety
By Zulaiha Danjuma
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ensures online safety by promoting digital literacy, governance, and security. But what about “Accept Cookies”?

2024 internet usage statistics in Nigeria
We’ve all been there – scrolling through our favorite website or app, only to be interrupted by a seemingly innocuous pop-up: “Accept Cookies?”
Most of us mindlessly click “Accept” to access the content we want. But have you ever stopped to think about what you’re really accepting?
KANO FOCUS reports, cookies are small files that websites store on your device, tracking your online activities, from the websites you visit to your search queries.
But that’s not all – these files can also store your personal data, leaving you vulnerable to targeted advertising, data breaches, and even identity theft.

Types an Uses of cookies
In today’s digital landscape, the internet is filled with users seeking information, entertainment, and connection. Meanwhile, companies and individuals are increasingly tracking and analyzing the online activities of these users, gathering valuable data and insights.
Virtually every online platform, from banking and financial apps to social media, news websites, gaming sites, and e-commerce platforms, rely on cookies to function.
As a result, it’s almost impossible for internet users to browse the web without encountering the ubiquitous ‘Accept Cookies’ pop-ups.
While cookies offer several benefits, such as enhanced user experience and personalized content, they also raise significant concerns regarding user privacy and security. These concerns have sparked intense debate and scrutiny.

Data Breaches in Nigeria (2022-2023)
Despite their widespread presence, many online users underestimate the impact of “Cookies” on user privacy.
Several individuals shared their perspectives
“I always accept ‘Cookies’ without really thinking about it,” says Hadiza Musa Yusuf. “If I don’t accept them, I can’t access the sites I want.”
Sa’adatu Auwal admitted to routinely accepting cookies without much thought: “It never crossed my mind. I just see them as a means to access the webpage I need.”
Abduljabar AbdulSalam Ibrahim views cookies as mutual agreements between users and websites: “I accept them, but not always. It’s an agreement between a user and the site visited.”
Aishatu Abdullahi Muhammad acknowledges potential risks: “Accepting cookies can be dangerous. Some websites aren’t legitimate.”
Adam Ismail exercises caution: “I only accept cookies on trusted sites.”
Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman said he rarely accepts cookies.
These diverse perspectives highlight varying levels of awareness and concern regarding cookies and online privacy.

Cookie Usage Statistics
Expert Insight
KANO FOCUS reached out to Nigeria’s Country Representative for West Africa ICT Action Network, Ms. Amina Ibrahim Idris, a professional in data protection and cybersecurity. She explained that automatically accepting cookies undermines user data, privacy, and digital security.
Understanding the hidden dangers to online tracking
“Some risks include tracking and profiling, cookies tracking users’ activities online, creating profiles used for targeted advertising,” she said.
Ms. Amina added that data breaches can occur from accepting cookies indiscriminately: “By clicking ‘Accept Cookies,’ some sites might save login credentials and data, compromising user data in case of a breach.”

NDPC figures on data breaches in Nigeria
According to Ms. Amina, cookies can collect specific user data, including:
IP addresses, revealing geographic locations, frequently visited websites indicating interests, Real names, physical addresses, contact information, Browser types and operating system details Geo-location data and GPS coordinates.
Malicious cookies can target vulnerable devices, injecting malware and viruses, and facilitate phishing attacks.

:Prevalence of Cyber Attack in Nigeria
The Cambridge Analytica scandal exposed how third-party cookies harvested Facebook users’ data without consent, influencing the 2016 US presidential election. This breach affected 87 million users.
Google faced a $170 million settlement for violating cookie tracking regulations. The search giant allowed advertisers to track users’ browsing habits despite opting out.
These incidents are not secluded to big tech giants. In Nigeria, MoMo Payment Service Bank had a data breach incident in 2022 resulting in losses worth $53 million. While, Patricia a fintech company suffered a cyber attack also in 2022, resulting in losses worth $2 million.

MoMo and Patricia data breach losses
Users’ Inability to Read Cookie Policies
Ms. Amina notes: “Cookie Policies are usually tiny and long. Users quickly accept cookies without knowing what they entail.”
To address this, Digital Public Infrastructure initiatives promote:
Digital literacy programs educating users about online safety. Regulatory frameworks like General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), ensures companies protect user data Security guidelines for safe browsing practices
Protect Yourself:
1. Read cookie policies carefully to understand data collection.
2. Utilize browser extensions like u-Block-Origin, Ghostary, and Cookie Auto-Delete to block tracking cookies.
3. Adopt alternative authentication methods, such as Token-based authentication like JSON Web tokens, Smart cards and Biometric authentication.
In the words of Ms. Amina; Companies should align policies with GDPR and CCPA, providing transparent control over user data.
By understanding cookies and DPI, you can make informed decisions.
This story is produced under the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Fellowship of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Co-Develop in partnership with Kano Focus online Newspaper.
Headlines
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Ace broadcaster, Hajiya Lami Hafsat Maccido, widely regarded as the first indigenous announcer on Radio Kano and the first person to appear on the screens of NTA Kano and CTV 67 at their formative stages, has died at the age of 72.
KANO FOCUS reports that Maccido passed away on Tuesday night after a brief illness, according to an announcement circulated on WhatsApp platform by Engr. Abubakar Garba Maccido.
Born on August 12, 1954, Maccido hailed from a diverse heritage. She was born in Jos, Plateau State, to a Shuwa Arab father from Borno State and a Fulani mother from Katsina State.
She attended Township Primary School and St. Louis Secondary School, both in Jos, before proceeding to ABC/ABU Kano for her tertiary education.
Maccido began her working career as a cashier at Sheshe Departmental Stores in Kano before joining Radio Kano in 1974, where she worked until 1976. She later moved to Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Kano—then known as NTV Kano—where she served from 1976 to 1981.
She subsequently transferred her service to CTV 67 as a pioneer staff member. She retired in 2012 after 35 years of dedicated service in the broadcast industry.
Maccido, alongside her former colleagues Dr. Faruk Umar Usman, Alhaji Ishaq Hadeijia, and Alhaji Wada Abdullahi Kachako, played a key role in naming CTV 67 (Community Television) when the station was first established by the then Governor of Kano State, Abubakar Rimi.
Her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from journalists, former colleagues, and admirers, many of whom described her as a trailblazer, a consummate professional, and a symbol of excellence in broadcasting.
Headlines
Kano Court jails woman five years for N22.35m investment fraud
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentencing of Janet Theophilus Danjuma to five years’ imprisonment for investment fraud amounting to N22,350,000.
KANO FOCUS reports that Danjuma was convicted on Monday, February 16, 2026, by Justice S. M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court>, sitting in Kano, on a one-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence.
According to the charge, the defendant, a staff member of TAJBank Limited, Nai’bawa Branch, Kano, fraudulently obtained the sum of N22,350,000 from one Wade Bamaiyi in October 2024 under the guise of investing the funds in the bank’s CASA (Current Account Savings Account) programme.
The charge stated that the defendant knew the claim to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
Upon arraignment, Danjuma pleaded guilty to the charge.
Following her plea, the prosecution counsel, Sadiq Huseini, reviewed the facts of the case, explaining how the defendant exploited the name of a legitimate financial product to deceive the victim into parting with the money. He urged the court to convict and sentence her in accordance with the law.
Justice Shuaibu subsequently convicted and sentenced Danjuma to five years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.
Investigations by the EFCC revealed that the defendant diverted the entire sum into her personal account after falsely claiming she would invest the funds in the bank’s CASA programme. She was thereafter charged to court and convicted.
Headlines
Kano Govt trains NULGE leaders to strengthen labour relations
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting harmonious labour relations, pledging continued engagement with labour leaders through dialogue and diplomacy to enhance socio-economic development and productivity.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Tajo Othman, made the pledge during a two-day seminar titled “Effective Collective Bargaining and Negotiation Between Labour Leaders and Employers at the Local Government Level.” The workshop was held at Royal Blue Hotels in Kaduna.
Represented by the Director of Recruitment, Training and Retirement in the ministry, Alhaji Ali S. Faragai, the commissioner said the training formed part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen labour relations and promote industrial peace across Kano.
He emphasised that effective collective bargaining and negotiation are critical tools for resolving labour disputes and fostering mutual understanding between employers and employees at the grassroots level.
According to him, the seminar was organised by the ministry in collaboration with Beatific Synergy and Ventures Limited as part of the present administration’s commitment to continuous capacity building for workers in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government Matters, Alhaji Garba Umar Durbunde, commended the government’s resolve to build harmonious working relationships and urged participants to apply the knowledge gained for the overall progress of the state.
In his welcome address, the Kano State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Ibrahim Muhammed, described the training as timely and essential in equipping union leaders with the skills required to navigate the complexities of labour relations and ensure peaceful dispute resolution.
Similarly, the National President of NULGE, Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara, lauded the Kano State Governor for what he described as visionary leadership and dedication to labour welfare. He noted that the initiative would significantly enhance the capacity of NULGE leaders to effectively represent their members and promote industrial harmony.
“The governor’s initiative is a game-changer, and we appreciate his commitment to improving the capacity of local government personnel through regular training and retraining,” he said.
In a presentation, veteran labour leader and District Head of Rimin Gado, Dr. Auwalu Mudi Yakasai, stressed that honesty, humanity and humility remain essential virtues for achieving lasting success in labour matters.
The training brought together NULGE leaders and local government officials from all 44 local government areas of the state. It covered key topics including collective bargaining strategies, negotiation skills and conflict resolution mechanisms.
Observers say the initiative is expected to improve labour relations, enhance productivity and contribute meaningfully to Kano State’s socio-economic development.
