Headlines
EFCC arraigns two over alleged cybercrime, defamation
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged cybercrime and publication of information purportedly intended to tarnish the image of the commission.
KANO FOCUS reports that Shehu was arraigned on Thursday, on an amended one-count charge bordering on cybercrime and alleged wilful character assassination of the EFCC through her Instagram account.
Abdulhamad, on the other hand, was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on cybercrime and alleged fabrication of the identity of the EFCC.
According to the charge against Shehu, she allegedly used her Instagram handle, @maryamshehu, on June 21, 2026, to publish a message accusing EFCC officials of assaulting one Ahmed Uthman allegedly on the instruction of a zonal director who was said to have collected N20 million from one Usman Iya Abbas.
The commission alleged that the publication was intended to tarnish its reputation and constituted an offence under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
The charge against Abdulhamad alleged that sometime in May 2026 in Abuja, he used his X (formerly Twitter) account, @shuraimi, to publish an image purportedly fabricated to resemble an official EFCC arrest placard.
The image allegedly depicted one Sadeeq Kabeer as a suspect arrested by the commission, with an inscription suggesting that his alleged offence was selling laptops to students at affordable prices.
The EFCC said the publication was intended to tarnish the reputation of the commission and constituted an offence under the same provision of the Cybercrimes Act.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their pleas, EFCC counsel, Elizabeth Alabi, asked the court to adjourn the matter for trial and sought an order remanding Shehu at the Suleja Correctional Centre, Niger State.
Counsel to Shehu, C.O. Amalaha, informed the court that a bail application had been filed and urged the judge to admit her client to bail on liberal terms.
Similarly, counsel to Abdulhamad, Adamu K. Adamu, told the court that he had filed a bail application and asked that his client be remanded in EFCC custody.
Justice Abdulmalik ordered that Shehu be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre, while Abdulhamad was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The judge adjourned the matter until August 31, 2026, for hearing of the defendants’ bail applications and commencement of trial.
KANO FOCUS reports that the EFCC said the arraignment formed part of efforts to prosecute persons accused of blackmail, fabrication and deliberate attempts to damage the image of the commission.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Kano State Chapter, has elected Hassan Ibrahim Gama as its new State Coordinator.
KANO FOCUS reports that Gama emerged unopposed during the coalition’s 2026 state election, which was described as peaceful and transparent.
The election was conducted by an election committee chaired by Dr. Auwalu Halilu, who said the exercise marked another milestone in strengthening the coalition’s leadership and its commitment to promoting inclusive and quality education in Kano State.
Other officers elected are Mahdi Abdullahi, Deputy Coordinator; Sunusi Hashim, Secretary; Dr. Abubakar I. Hassan, Assistant Secretary; Ghazali I. U., PRO I; Abdulbaki Mohd, PRO II; and Muhammad Abdullahi, PRO III.
Others are Garba Hamma Dikko, Provost; Rukayya Abdulrahman, Financial Secretary; Saratu Maigida, Treasurer; and Suleiman Zubair, Auditor.
Halilu expressed appreciation to the CSACEFA National Secretariat, represented at the election by its Policy Advisor, Mrs Ordinaka, for the guidance and support provided throughout the electoral process.
He also commended members of the election committee, CSACEFA Kano members and other stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the exercise.
The election committee chairman congratulated the newly elected leadership and urged them to build on the achievements of the coalition by strengthening civil society participation, advocacy, accountability and strategic partnerships.
He tasked the new executives with working towards improving education service delivery and advancing the Education for All agenda in Kano State.
The former Kano State Coordinator of CSACEFA, Prof. Muhammad Bello Shitu, and the Kano State Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) Alhaji Tijjani Haladu Baraya, were among the dignitaries who supervised the conduct of the election.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Hausa people as important pillars of Nigeria’s unity and progress.
KANO FOCUS reports that the President said the Hausa language had grown beyond its traditional boundaries to become a major language of unity and commerce across the world.
Tinubu stated this in a message posted on his verified Facebook account on the occasion of Hausa Day, being celebrated at the historic Daura Palace.
“The Hausa people are great pillars that play a vital role in the unity and progress of Nigeria,” the President said.
He added that “the Hausa language, without doubt, has flourished and has become a major language of unity and commerce across the world.”
The President congratulated the Hausa community on the occasion, describing the celebration at Daura Palace as an important event.
“I congratulate the vast Hausa community on the occasion of Hausa Day, which is being celebrated at the historic Daura Palace today,” Tinubu said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has urged Muslims across the state and Nigeria to emulate the exemplary life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as they commemorate Maulud.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor made the call in a statement issued by his spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday.
Yusuf congratulated Muslims on the occasion and urged them to use the celebration to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet, particularly his virtues of peace, justice, compassion, honesty, patience and tolerance.
He called on Muslims to demonstrate these values in their daily lives while promoting peaceful coexistence, unity and mutual respect among people of diverse backgrounds.
The governor also urged parents, religious leaders and community elders to intensify efforts to educate younger generations on the teachings and exemplary conduct of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Yusuf prayed for continued peace, stability and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria, while urging residents to support initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of citizens.
The governor also used the occasion to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, wishing them a successful first tenure and a smooth re-election bid in 2027.
He urged Muslims to use the Maulud celebration to pray for peace, progress and unity across the country, and wished the faithful a peaceful and spiritually rewarding celebration.
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