Headlines
IGP Orders Kano Police to Investigate Emir Sanusi, Withdraws Invitation from Force HQ
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Kano State Police Command to take over the investigation of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II following the violent incident that marred the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.
This directive replaces an earlier move by the Force Headquarters, which had invited the Emir to Abuja for questioning. That invitation has now been withdrawn, as the IGP opts for a more localized and less politically sensitive approach.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP’s decision followed consultations with key stakeholders who advised that handling the matter within Kano would help avoid escalating tensions or creating political interpretations of police action.
Tensions erupted on Sallah Day when Emir Sanusi, after attending Eid prayers barefooted, mounted a horse and led a procession through the streets — a move seen as defying a prior agreement by the two rival emirs to suspend all Durbar activities to preserve peace.
The procession allegedly involved local vigilantes and triggered clashes with youths in the area, resulting in the death of one Usman Sagiru and injuries to several others.
According to police, intelligence had earlier warned of potential conflict if the disputed emirs — Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Alhaji Sanusi — went ahead with separate Durbar festivals.
As a preventive measure, senior officers were deployed to broker peace, leading to an agreement that no horse-riding or processions would take place.
Despite this, Emir Sanusi’s actions sparked violence, prompting police investigations and arrests.
The Force maintains that it will pursue justice with professionalism and neutrality.
By Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Kano State has the highest number of zero-dose immunization cases in Nigeria, with 15 local government areas (LGAs) identified as high-burden, according to Save the Children.
This alarming figure has prompted the launch of targeted interventions under the Boost Project, a collaborative initiative by Save the Children and GSK aimed at reducing the number of zero-dose and under-immunized children in the country.
During an engagement meeting held on Thursday with the Kano State Community of Practice (CoP) on Immunization, stakeholders renewed commitments to tackling the issue.
The project is currently being implemented in Kano and Lagos States, with focused interventions in Ungogo and Gezawa LGAs, which are among the most affected areas in Kano.
Speaking at a media and civil society dialogue, Taiwo Folake, Coordinator of the Boost Project, emphasized the critical role of public engagement in reversing the trend.
She called for increased media support to drive awareness and community action on immunization.
Folake explained that the Boost Project works closely with state and local governments, traditional and religious leaders, and caregivers to ensure that children who have never received routine vaccines are reached, while also reintegrating those who have dropped out of immunization schedules.
Dr. Itunu Dave Agbola, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator of the project, said the initiative is also focused on improving domestic resource mobilization for immunization funding, strengthening governance, and developing a Kano-specific immunization policy to enhance planning, funding allocation, and accountability.
She noted that building trust through community leadership is vital for vaccine acceptance.
Also speaking, Salisu Yusuf, Co-Chair of the Kano CoP on Immunization, reiterated the group’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to reduce the number of high-burden LGAs.
He dismissed widespread misconceptions about vaccine safety, assuring that vaccines are safe and scientifically approved.
Yusuf pledged to intensify sensitization efforts through media outreach, house-to-house campaigns, and community meetings.
The meeting marks a renewed drive to improve immunization coverage in Kano State, with a strong emphasis on reaching vulnerable and underserved communities.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has alerted Nigerians of the outbreak of meningitis in thirteen states of the country.
KANO FOCUS reports that the 13 states prone to meningitis according to the agency are; parts of Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna and Borno states.
The agency in its meningitis and heat stress watch released on Friday, stated that some parts of the country would also experience heat stress.
For meningitis, the agency stated: “There is an increased chance of outbreak of Meningococcal meningitis over the country.
This prospect is heightened with the fresh dust haze that came into the country early hours of 11th of April. Areas most prone to the outbreak includes Parts of Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna and Borno States.
The agency while stating that the most vulnerable groups include infants, young children, the aged, and those with weak immune systems, advised them to get vaccinated against meningitis, practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly and avoid close contact with those affected.
It called on relevant bodies responsible for public health to take note of the alert and take necessary preventive actions.
“This is coming after three consecutive days of rainfall over the country. Maximum temperatures over the north are within 40 ℃ . Clear skies and moisture will aid this heat and attendant discomfort.
“Discomfort levels should be highest over parts of Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa and Benue states including the Federal Capital Territory”.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A top-level team set up by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf left Kano on Thursday to probe the recent killings in Uromi, Edo State.
KANO FOCUS reports that the group, led by Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, aims to find facts and build peace.
Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, the Deputy Governor’s spokesperson, released a statement listing key members.
These include the Emir of Rano, Mohammad Isa Umar; Commissioners for Religious Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Special Duties, and Women Affairs; plus the Chairman of Bunkure Local Government Area, among others.
Before leaving Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Gwarzo spoke about their goals. “Our mandate is clear — to investigate, to consult, and to recommend sustainable solutions. This is not just a fact-finding mission, but a peace-building initiative aimed at restoring confidence and preventing further violence,” he said.
The killings last month sparked tension in Uromi. The team plans a week-long visit to meet Edo State Governor, security heads, traditional rulers, and civil society groups to ease unrest and seek answers.
Kano Tops Nigeria’s Zero-Dose Immunization List as Boost Project Targets Urgent Action
Kano, 12 others prone to meningitis
Uromi killings: Kano deputy Governor leads fact-finding team to Edo state
Support for President Tinubu’s Policies and Call for the Appointment of Hisham Habib as Political Adviser
