Headlines
Ganduje denies role in Dadiyata’s disappearance, urges scrutiny of El-Rufai’s claims
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Former Kano State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has rejected allegations linking him to the disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Ganduje’s response followed recent remarks by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, suggesting a connection between the ex-Kano governor and the unresolved case.
In a statement signed by former Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Muhammad Garba, Ganduje described the allegation as reckless, unfounded, and an attempt to shift responsibility for an incident that occurred entirely within Kaduna State.
Garba stated that Dadiyata lived and operated in Kaduna, where he was widely known for directing his criticisms at the Kaduna State Government. He argued that there was no credible record indicating that the activist’s primary focus was the Kano State Government or Ganduje.
“Everyone in Kaduna knew the nature of the criticism he made and who it was directed at,” the statement read, noting that security responsibility in the state at the time rested with the Kaduna State Government and relevant federal security agencies operating there.
The statement called for careful scrutiny of El-Rufai’s remarks, stressing that such serious allegations must be supported by verifiable evidence rather than political rhetoric. It warned that dragging Ganduje into the matter without proof risks politicising a painful and unresolved episode and further confusing the public.
Garba contrasted the political climates in Kaduna and Kano State during the period in question, maintaining that Ganduje’s two-term administration in Kano was marked by tolerance for criticism, open media engagement, and acceptance of opposition voices.
“Unlike many political leaders who maintained strained relationships with the media, we allowed scrutiny, accommodated critical voices, and even learned from dissenting perspectives,” he said.
He added that there was no record of arrests, intimidation, or harassment of journalists or critics in Kano during Ganduje’s tenure.
The statement also referenced public discourse surrounding Dadiyata’s disappearance, noting that discussions over the years have largely centred on events within Kaduna State. It cited comments previously made by former Senator Shehu Sani, who reportedly said many individuals in the state were reluctant to speak publicly about the case. It also mentioned commentator Reno Omokri, who had earlier raised concerns about how the matter was handled.
Garba further expressed concern over El-Rufai’s claim that a police officer allegedly confessed to being sent from Kano to abduct Dadiyata. He questioned why such information, if credible, was not formally disclosed to investigative authorities or pursued transparently through appropriate security channels at the time.
“It is difficult to reconcile a claim of having no prior knowledge of the individual with simultaneously making detailed assertions about who was responsible,” he noted.
While reiterating sympathy for Dadiyata’s family, Ganduje urged that the focus should remain on uncovering the truth through lawful and transparent investigative processes.
“The family deserves closure,” the statement said. “What they do not deserve is for this tragic matter to become an instrument of political blame-shifting.”
The former governor called on anyone with credible information regarding the disappearance to present it to appropriate authorities, emphasising that accountability must rest on facts and due process, not speculation.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
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