Headlines
Power Shift in Kano: Ganduje Family Bows to Emir Sanusi as Nephew Gets Turbaned
In a dramatic political twist that may redefine Kano’s traditional power matrix, former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has thrown his weight behind Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the monarch turbaned Ganduje’s nephew, Alhaji Jamilu Sani Umar, as the new Village Head of Ganduje.
This development signals a major shift in political allegiance, coming from a family that once stood at the heart of Emir Sanusi’s 2020 dethronement.
The former village head, Alhaji Sani Ganduje — who was removed from office — had openly challenged the Kano Emirate over the legitimacy of his removal, deepening the rift between the Gandujes and Sanusi’s loyalists.
However, following the recent reinstatement of Emir Sanusi II by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, political equations in Kano have shifted rapidly.
In what many see as a move to realign with the prevailing tide, Dr. Ganduje reportedly convened a strategic meeting with his extended family and directed full support for the new appointment.
Rather than sending a delegate, the entire Ganduje family physically accompanied Jamilu to the Emir’s palace, a powerful public gesture of submission and allegiance to Sanusi’s throne.
Political analysts interpret this as Ganduje’s calculated pivot — recognizing Emir Sanusi’s regained influence and perhaps seeking to reposition himself within Kano’s changing political terrain.
The move also draws a clear contrast with the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, who enjoyed close ties with Ganduje during his administration but is now increasingly sidelined.
By endorsing the turbaning and realigning his family under Sanusi’s leadership, Ganduje appears to be reading the political handwriting on the wall — that Emir Sanusi’s return is not just ceremonial, but a restoration of deep-rooted traditional authority with growing political resonance.
As Kano continues to balance tradition and politics, the Ganduje family’s public allegiance to Emir Sanusi may be the clearest indication yet that the old guard is adapting to a new power order.
By Bosede Olufunmi
The newly appointed Managing Director of the Kano State Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency (KAZOWMA), Hon. Musayyib Kawu, has pledged to reposition the Kano Zoological Garden to boost tourism and recreational activities in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kawu made the pledge in his inaugural address shortly after assuming office, according to a statement issued on Tuesday in Kano by the Public Relations Officer of the zoo, Hauwa Adam.
He said the new administration would prioritise the upgrading and renovation of existing infrastructure at the zoo to improve its appeal and functionality.
“Our focus will be on rehabilitating facilities, introducing new animal species and improving staff welfare to ensure efficient service delivery,” Kawu said.
He added that a comprehensive assessment of the agency’s challenges and operational needs would be carried out and forwarded to the state government with a view to strengthening the zoo’s status as a major tourist destination in Kano State.
The managing director also commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his leadership and support, while urging residents of the state to actively participate in the democratic process by obtaining and renewing their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Nura Abdullahi
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested popular Kannywood actress, Samha Inuwa, over alleged mutilation of the Nigerian currency.
KTKANO FOCUS reports that e arrest was carried out on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, following the circulation of a viral video on social media in which the actress was seen using Naira notes to clean mucus from her nose.
The Commission confirmed the development via a post on its official Facebook page, stating that the video prompted swift action by its operatives. According to the EFCC, investigations commenced immediately after the footage went viral, leading to the tracing and subsequent arrest of the suspect.
Inuwa is currently in the custody of the EFCC at its Kano detention facility, where investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The anti-graft agency disclosed that the actress will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The EFCC has repeatedly warned against the abuse and mutilation of the Naira, stressing that such acts constitute an offence under Nigerian law and are punishable accordingly.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Rano Local Government Council in Kano State has appointed 100 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to support grassroots development across the area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appointments were approved by the Chairman of the council, Malam Muhammad Naziru Ya’u Rano, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery at the ward level.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Rano Zonal Information Officer, Abdullahi Musa Gyadi Gyadi, the appointments were made in line with a directive of the Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, mandating all local government councils to appoint Senior Special Assistants to serve as a link between the people and government at the grassroots.
The statement explained that the newly appointed aides are expected to support development initiatives in their respective wards and contribute to the overall progress of the local government.
Malam Naziru Ya’u Rano urged the appointees to give their full cooperation and support to the administrations of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Rano Local Government Council, particularly in the implementation and execution of development projects across the council area and the state.
Also speaking, the Director of Personnel Management of the council, Alhaji Ado Dan’azumi, assured that staff of the local government would work closely with the Senior Special Assistants to ensure sustainable development in all the wards.
Some of the appointees, including Sadisu Rurum Tsohon Gari and Umar Zinyau, expressed gratitude for the appointments and pledged to remain committed to identifying the needs of their communities, while sensitising residents on government policies, programmes and ongoing development projects.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Rano Local Government Council, Alhaji Ahmad Jibrin, commended the transparent and equitable process adopted in selecting the appointees, noting that ten Senior Special Assistants were drawn from each of the ten wards in the local government area.
KAZOWMA MD pledges to reposition Kano Zoo for tourism
EFCC arrests Kannywood actress Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation
Liberia Telecommunications Authority delegation visits NCC headquarters
Kano Pilgrims Board seeks Immigration Service’s support ahead of 2026 Hajj visa deadline
NCC board inspects Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos
Police arrest three suspects over murder of woman, six children in Dorayi
FG, UBEC commission IsDB–UBEC bilingual boarding school in Kano
ACF Pledges N1m Equipment Support to Civillian JTF in Kano
SUBEB, PLANE train teachers to boost English language learning in Kano primary schools
