Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Kano State Police Command has arrested five persons over the alleged unauthorised administration and sale of locally made herbal medicine at a church premises in Kano, warning individuals and organisations against conducting medical outreaches without regulatory approval.

KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.

According to the statement, operatives of the 52 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Chalawa, intercepted six men on August 4 at the ECWA Church located behind the 52 PMF Base in Challawa, following complaints from residents and public outcry over the activity.

The police identified the group’s leader as **Simon Gbaaondo**, 50, from Karu in Nasarawa State.

The suspects were alleged to have been administering unverified locally made medicine free of charge and offering it for sale to large numbers of residents from Panshekara and surrounding communities without approval from the relevant health regulatory authorities.

The police also invited the individual who hosted the group at the church to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the exercise.

The case was initially reported at the Panshekara Police Division before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where five of the suspects are currently undergoing further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, cautioned members of the public against administering drugs, herbal medicines or conducting medical outreach programmes without authorisation from the Kano State Government, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and other relevant health authorities.

The police said such activities pose serious public health and security risks, particularly when they attract large crowds.

The command urged residents to report any suspicious medical outreach or distribution of unverified medicines to the nearest police station, assuring the public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining public order.

Police said further details on the investigation would be made available as the case progresses.

Ibrahim Khalil

Former Kano State Governor and Vice Presidential Candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for speaking out on the country’s worsening socio-economic and security challenges.

KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, described the bishops’ intervention as an act of courage and patriotism, saying their concerns reflected the realities confronting millions of Nigerians.

He said the issues raised by the Catholic bishops, including the rising cost of living, worsening insecurity, declining public confidence and widespread hardship, were neither partisan nor isolated.

According to him, the concerns mirror the daily experiences of ordinary Nigerians across all parts of the country.

Kwankwaso noted that despite Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, many citizens continue to grapple with economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, poor access to quality education and healthcare, as well as diminishing opportunities.

He stressed that the country’s challenges require urgent, sincere and people-centred responses from leaders at all levels.

The former presidential candidate also urged Nigerians to continue engaging the Federal Government and other public office holders constructively whenever the opportunity arises.

He said citizens should continue to advocate for good governance, accountability and policies that prioritise the security, welfare and prosperity of the people.

“It is through such collective commitment and responsible leadership that we can build a more peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria,” Kwankwaso said.

He concluded by praying for peace, unity and progress in the country.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

A Kano State High Court has sentenced a man, Tahir Tanimu, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of the murder of Shamsu Yakubu.

KANO FOCUS reports that the judgment was delivered on Monday by Justice Aisha Mahmud Ibrahim of High Court No. 5, sitting at the Audu Bako Secretariat Complex in Kano.

The court convicted Tanimu of culpable homicide punishable with death after considering the evidence presented during the trial.

However, the court deferred sentencing of the second defendant, Joseph Martins, after establishing that he was 15 years old at the time the offence was committed. The court said further action would await the decision of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in accordance with the provisions of the law.

The Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude (SAN), disclosed the outcome of the case in a statement.

According to him, the prosecution, led by Barrister Lamido Abba Soron Dinki, called four witnesses and tendered evidence that persuaded the court to convict the first defendant.

Maude commended the prosecuting counsel and the legal team for their diligence and commitment, describing the judgment as a demonstration of the Ministry of Justice’s resolve to ensure justice for victims of crime and uphold the rule of law.

“The successful outcome is a reflection of our determination to ensure justice for victims of crime and uphold the rule of law in Kano State,” he said.

The Attorney General reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the effective administration of justice, pledging that it would continue to prosecute criminal cases diligently in line with the vision of the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.