Headlines
Buhari mourns murdered five-year old Hanifa, directs police to prepare good charges
Nasiru Yusuf
President Muhammadu Buhari expressed the nation’s condolences to the family of the five-year-old school girl Hanifa Abubakar whose body was discovered in a shallow grave in Kano after near two months of fruitless search.
KANO FOCUS reports that this was contained in a statement issued on Friday by Senior Special Assistant to the President Garba Shehu.
The President in the same breath has praised the work of the police and the secret service in unraveling the mystery behind the disappearance of Hanifa, and particularly for the arrest of her teacher and his other accomplices suspected of the child’s kidnap and murder.
President Buhari said the family and the whole nation which followed up on Hanifa’s travail every day since her disappearance in December last year were hoping for the girl to have been rescued alive and well, adding however that the very thorough and painstaking detective operation by the law enforcement bodies, leading to the discovery of the corpse and the arrest of the suspects who have already made confessions was commendable, calling it an achievement that should instill more public confidence in the authorities.
“When breakthroughs like this happen, people will talk differently of law enforcement,” said the President.
President Buhari prayed for the repose of the soul of the little school girl and urged her parents to bear the sad loss with courage and fortitude in God.
The President urged the Police and Ministry of Justice to uphold the integrity of the detective work that busted the case by preparing well and presenting a good case that will earn the respect of the court.
Kano vows to secure justice for little Hanifa Abubakar
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje said the state government would monitor and ensure the prosecution of anyone found culpable in the kidnap and murder of Hanifa Abubakar, an innocent five-year-old pupil at Kwanar Dakata in Nassarawa local government area of the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by the the state commissioner for information, Muhammad Garba on Friday.
The governor said already measures taken in the matter include the indifinite closure and withdrawal of the operational license of the school where the child was allegedly said to have been gruesomely murdered.
He said government is terribly disturbed that people entrusted with the care of children only turn out to be their murderers.
Ganduje added that government has been in touch with the family of the child and would remain so until justice prevail in the case to serve as deterrent to others.
The governor, who commended security agencies in the state for the prompt action that led to the arrest of those allegedly involved, stated that while investigation is ongoing, government will meticulously follow the case to its logical conclusion.
He also commended the international community, human rights-based organizations and well-meaning Nigerians for their concern in the matter.
Ganduje also assured security agencies of government’s support in carrying out their duties of ensuring that Kano maintains its relative peace.
Kano shuts school where kidnapped pupil was buried
The Kano State Government has earlier in the day ordered the closure of the school where the remains of Hanifa Abubakar, a five-year old pupil kidnapped and murdered by her teacher, were found buried.
The state Commissioner of Education, Muhammad Kiru, announced this in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Àliyu Yusuf.
He also announced the withdrawal of the licences of the two schools named in the tragedy, pending the outcome of police investigation.
The commissioner added that the state government has also constituted a ministerial committee to assist in ensuring justice on the matter.
While condoling with the family of little Hanifa on behalf of the state government, the commissioner called on parents and guardians to desist from enrolling their children in questionable schools.
He promised that the ministry would monitor the activities of private schools so as to prevent reoccurrence of similar incidents.
Background
KANO FOCUS reported how Abdulmalik Tanko, a teacher, allegedly kidnapped and killed his five-year old pupil, Hanifa.
Little Hanifa was Mr Tanko’s pupil at a private school located in Kwanar Dakata in Nassarawa local government area of Kano State.
According to the police, the principal suspect confessed to have poisoned the girl when he realised that she had recognised him.
“Messrs Tanko and (Hashim) Isyaku then buried her remains in a shallow grave at the private school premises at Kwanar ‘Yan Gana, Tudun Murtala Quarters in Nassarawa local government area of Kano State.
“Hashim also confessed that, sometimes in the month of November, 2021, the principal suspect, Abdulmalik met him and one Fatima Jibreel Musa, ‘f’, 27 years old, of Layin Falaki Tudun Murtala Quarters, Nassarawa LGA Kano State and ordered them to kidnap Hanifa. They planned but later rescinded their action. Fatima was also arrested,” the police said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Society for Family Health has appointed Dayyabu Mahmud Yusuf as Group Director, Impact Partnership and Engagement, as well as Managing Director of RevoHealth HMO Ltd., in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare access and sustainable health systems across Nigeria and Africa.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appointment was announced on the organisation’s official Facebook page on Saturday.
According to SFH, the new leadership appointment signals the beginning of a fresh phase focused on improving impact, expanding access to healthcare services, and advancing sustainable health transformation initiatives across the continent.
The organisation stated that the appointment reflects its commitment to building integrated health systems and promoting innovative platforms in healthcare financing, workforce development, advisory services, and sustainable health interventions.
SFH expressed confidence that Yusuf’s leadership would further strengthen the organisation’s impact and deliver lasting value to communities across Nigeria and beyond.
Yusuf is a seasoned public health professional with more than 18 years of experience in the design and implementation of public health, social marketing, and health systems strengthening programmes in Nigeria.
He is widely recognised as a health systems expert, health economist, programme management specialist, and community engagement practitioner, with extensive experience in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH), HIV/AIDS, malaria, child survival, and nutrition interventions.
He has also built strong technical expertise across the family planning and maternal, newborn and child health continuum, while leading large and complex teams on multiple development programmes.
Yusuf possesses strong advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, having worked closely with senior government officials, lawmakers, and influential traditional and religious leaders to drive institutional and behavioural changes that support effective programme implementation.
A seasoned trainer, Yusuf has trained various cadres of health professionals and is known for his practical expertise in participatory community engagement approaches.
He holds a degree in Microbiology and a Master’s degree in Health Economics from Bayero University Kano, as well as an MSc in Microbiology from University of Abuja.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
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.
SFH appoints Dayyabu Yusuf to lead strategic health partnerships, RevoHealth HMO
Kwankwaso commends IGP over probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance
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
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
