Headlines
NNPP defends Kwankwaso over inclusion in proposed U.S. sanctions bill
Ibrahim Khalil
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has expressed shock over reports that a bill before the United States Congress named its National Leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, among individuals recommended for targeted sanctions over alleged religious freedom violations.
In a press statement issued Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, the party said it was surprised that Kwankwaso was listed in the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457) alongside the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and a Fulani ethnic militia group.
According to the bill, those named could face sanctions including visa bans and asset freezes for purported involvement in “severe religious freedom violations.”
Reacting to the development, the NNPP dismissed what it described as “any notion” that Kwankwaso had been responsible for religious freedom violations, insisting that his public record does not support such allegations.
“We see this development as a contrived action against an innocent man who clearly has no relationship with religious fundamentalism in Nigeria,” Johnson said. “His record is in the public domain, both in public office and in private life. It is advisable for people to properly investigate before reaching such conclusions.”
The party recalled that months earlier, Kwankwaso had publicly criticised the United States’ redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution. In a statement posted on his X handle at the time, he cautioned against what he described as oversimplified characterisations of Nigeria’s internal challenges, stressing that the country faces multiple security threats from criminal elements.
Johnson noted that following Kwankwaso’s comments, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore reacted on social media, accusing the former Kano governor of complicity in anti-Christian violence and referencing the introduction of Sharia law in Kano during his tenure.
However, the NNPP questioned why Kwankwaso was singled out, noting that several northern states implemented Sharia around the same period.
“Is this enough to accuse Kwankwaso of severe religious freedom violations? Why were other governors not similarly accused?” the statement queried, also pointing to U.S. relations with countries that operate under Sharia legal systems.
The party further argued that during his tenure as governor, Kwankwaso maintained cordial relationships with Christian leaders in Kano and across Nigeria. It also stated that he supported former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a Christian, during his re-election bid, a move it claimed cost him political support in Kano at the time.
The NNPP added that in the 2023 presidential election, Kwankwaso ran on a joint ticket with Bishop Isaac Idahosa, describing this as further evidence of his inclusive political outlook.
The party called on members of the U.S. Congress, particularly Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, to conduct what it described as a thorough and fair investigation into the matter.
It urged U.S. lawmakers to ensure that “justice is done” and that Kwankwaso’s reputation is not tarnished by what it termed undue embarrassment.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations targeting drug peddling and thuggery in Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari Local Government Area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 9, 2026, were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and violent crimes across the state.
It said operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division, acting on credible intelligence at about 2:30 p.m., intercepted eight suspects, including a 21-year-old man identified as Samson Yakubu of Samegu Quarters, at a suspected criminal hotspot.
A search of the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said the suspects were in custody and undergoing interrogation, while investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the suspected illicit drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a related operation conducted between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, operatives of the Kunchi/Ghari Division carried out a coordinated market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market.
The command said the area had been identified as a place where youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market sessions.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah of Dustin; Haruna Isah of Daqarawa Village; Habu Badamasi of Dan Taimu Village; Gambo Ya’u of Kura Village; and Abubakar Dahiru of Farau Village.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices, while exhibits recovered during the operation had been taken into custody as evidence.
CP Bakori commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes.
“In line with the IGP’s policing vision and our mandate to ensure a safe and secure Kano, we will continue to be proactive,” the commissioner said.
“We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities.”
The command also appreciated members of the public, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that aided the operations.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The command said all suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The funeral prayer for the late Shehu Kabir Bayero, Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Dorayi, was held on Thursday evening at Kofar Kudu, Kano Emir’s Palace.
KANO FOCUS reports that the prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Khamsus Salawati Mosque, Kofar Kudu, Malam Bello, and attended by hundreds of people from different parts of Kano State.
Among those who attended were the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk; representative of the Emir of Kano, Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Matawalle; Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government House, Dr Sani Wali; as well as district heads and members of the Muslim community.
Shehu Kabir Bayero died in a hospital in Egypt following a period of illness. He is survived by his wives, children and other relatives.
Until his death, the late Bayero served as Commissioner of Police in Gombe and Osun states before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force.
Following his retirement, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, appointed him as the Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Takai Local Government Area after the death of his father, the late Kabir Bayero, an elder brother of the former emir.
He later served as District Head of Gwarzo.
Due to his wealth of experience in security matters, the current Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, subsequently reassigned him as District Head of Dorayi, where he was expected to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security in the area.
The late district head was remembered for his service to the state and his experience in security and traditional administration.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has held a planning meeting on the implementation and effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and development partners working in the education sector.
According to Malam Naziru Sirajo, deputy director EMIS and statistics in the Ministry of Education, the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the Nigeria Learning Passport in Kano and developing a coordinated plan to strengthen its implementation, content utilisation, course completion, monitoring of learners’ progress and certification.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform designed to provide Nigerian children and young people with access to curriculum-aligned educational content, including lessons, learning materials and assessments.
The platform is also designed to support learning continuity, including for learners facing limited or intermittent internet connectivity, while providing teachers and education stakeholders with digital resources to complement classroom instruction.
In Kano, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness and utilisation of digital learning, while building the capacity of master trainers and technical teams to support schools, teachers and learners in using the platform effectively.
The effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to expand access to quality digital learning resources, promote independent learning, strengthen digital literacy and support improved learning outcomes and greater equity in access to educational opportunities.
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