News
NDLEA arrests woman with fake pregnancy, Ivorian excretes 82 cocaine wraps at Kano airport
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have thwarted two separate attempts to smuggle illicit drugs through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, and the Seme land border in Lagos State.
KANO FOCUS reports that in one of the incidents, a 35-year-old Kano-based businesswoman, Rabi Muhammad, was arrested on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the departure point of the Seme border while attempting to cross into Cotonou, Benin Republic.
In a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, on Sunday, the agency said the suspect was intercepted with a protruding stomach suggestive of pregnancy. However, a full body search revealed that the pregnancy was fake. The “baby bump” was reportedly fashioned from a pink-coloured calabash used to conceal 3,200 capsules of tramadol, which she had strapped around her stomach for onward sale in Cotonou.
On the same day in Kano, NDLEA operatives at the screening point of the departure hall of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport intercepted a 41-year-old Ivorian national, Michael Gohouri, also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael, during outward clearance for Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 to Milan via Addis Ababa.
A body scan conducted on the suspect confirmed ingestion of illicit substances. He was subsequently placed under observation, during which he excreted 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms.
Investigations revealed that Gohouri had arrived in Lagos from Milan on January 17, 2026, and had travelled between Lagos and Enugu for three weeks before heading to Kano, where he allegedly ingested the cocaine in a hotel room. He was reportedly promised a payment of 5,000 Euros upon successful delivery of the drugs in Milan.
The suspect, who claims dual Ivorian and Nigerian parentage, said he applied for asylum in Italy in 2013 and currently holds a residence permit valid until May 25, 2026. He also possesses a Nigerian National Identification Number bearing the name Anunwa Onyinye Michael.
Meanwhile, the agency said its Commands and formations across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns over the past week, including lectures delivered to students and staff of Government Senior Girls Secondary School, Kofar Kudu, Kano State.
Commending officers and men of the agency for the arrests and seizures, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the operational successes reflect the agency’s balanced strategy of drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts nationwide.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
