News
Court remands man over alleged cyberbullying of Mohbad’s widow
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A Magistrate Court in Ogba, Lagos State, has ordered the remand of a social media user, Oladimeji Hammed, popularly known as “Immunizer,” over allegations of cyberbullying and online harassment of Omowunmi Cynthia Aloba, the widow of late singer Mohbad.
KANO FOCUS reports that Hammed was arraigned on June 22, 2026, before the Samuel Ilori Magistrate Court on multiple charges bordering on cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and defamation following his arrest by law enforcement authorities.
According to court documents, the defendant is accused of publishing a series of online posts between February and March 2026 that allegedly ridiculed and incited public hostility against Aloba.
Although the court granted him bail, Hammed remains in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre due to stringent bail conditions. The court directed him to provide two sureties with bank balances of at least ₦700,000 each. One of the sureties must be a state civil servant, while the other must be a blood relative, both possessing valid tax records.
Prosecutors alleged that the defendant made several damaging claims on social media, including assertions that Aloba intended to leave the country before justice was served in her late husband’s case. He was also accused of publishing comments suggesting that she had failed to deny allegations of infidelity during court proceedings.
The prosecution further claimed that Hammed circulated information relating to alleged leaked private images and subsequently made derogatory remarks about the complainant on various social media platforms.
According to the prosecution, the online publications subjected Aloba to widespread abuse, harassment, and public hostility. The court was told that the situation allegedly escalated into a physical attack on the complainant on March 15, 2026.
The matter has been adjourned to a later date for further hearing.
Meanwhile, legal experts have described the case as one of the most significant tests of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024, particularly Section 24, which deals with cyberstalking, online harassment, and the intentional dissemination of harmful or false information through digital platforms.
Under the law, individuals found guilty of such offences may face fines of up to ₦7 million or imprisonment for up to three years. In cases involving threats, intimidation, or severe harassment, penalties may increase to as much as 10 years imprisonment and fines of up to ₦25 million.
The legislation also empowers courts to issue restraining and protective orders for victims of cyber harassment, providing additional safeguards against continued online abuse.
Observers say the outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for the enforcement of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws and efforts to curb the growing menace of cyberbullying and online harassment.
Headlines
Kano Police Arrest Eight in Drug, Thuggery Raids
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.
Headlines
Funeral Prayer Held for Late Shehu Kabir Bayero
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.
Headlines
Kano holds planning meeting on implementation of Nigeria learning passport
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.
