Headlines
Hanifa Abubakar: Court orders trial-within-a-trial
Nasiru Yusuf
The Kano State High Court presided over by Justice Usman Na’abba has fixed February 9 to deliver ruling on trial within a trial in respect of Abdulmalik Tanko and Fatima Jibrin’s confessional statements sought to be tendered as evidence by the prosecution’s counsel to prove their case against the three defendants who allegedly conspired, kidnapped and killed a five year old Hanifa Abubakar.
KANO FOCUS reports that when the case resumed on Thursday for the continuation of hearing, Prosecution counsel Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Kano
Musa Abdullahi Lawan sought to tender two confessional statements of the defendants.
However, the defence counsel Mukhtar Labaran Usman objected to the admissibility of the statements, arguing that the statements of Abdulmalik and Fatima were taken under threat and compulsion urging the court to dismiss it relying on section 29 sub section 2 and 3 of Evidence Act 2011.
Earlier in his submission during trial within trial, the investigative officer attached to Anti kidnapping squad of Kano Command Ridwan Ibrahim told the court that he took the defendants’ statements without any threat or compulsion.
He denied using electrical device on witness while taking his statement.
He told the court that he took the statement in the presence of his colleagues noting that there was light, fan and it was an open detective office where statement of the party involved in case were taken.
Also in his testimony, another policeman Muhammad Yanfa told the court that Ibrahim recorded the defendant’s statement in his presence.
“It was in my presence, it was a busy office where my colleagues record statement of parties who came in respect of their case.
“A lighting and brightening detective office. I was there from beginning to the end. The defendants were not tortured, intimidated or harassed. They signed the statement without any compulsion” the witness said.
Other witnesses who testified on Thursday include Sani Hussaini Kyarma, Jamila Muhammmad Sani, a wife to Abdulmalik Tanko and Jummai Danladi making the total of 8 prosecution witnesses so far.
Justice Naabba adjourned the case to February 9 and 10 for ruling on trial within trial and continuation of hearing.
The last sitting
On Wednesday the Court had admitted 10 exhibits tendered by prosecution counsel Mr Lawan against suspected killers.
The prosecution counsel who is also the state Attorney General tendered the exhibits through third witness police inspector Ubale Usman attached to Anti Kidnapping squad Kano command.
The exhibits include coroner’s form duly signed by a medical doctor (exhibit 1), four mobile phones (exhibit 2) comprised of three used by the prime suspect to contact Hanifa’s parents and one belonging to Hanifa’s mother, photocopy of Hanifa’s picture obtained from the suspects in the course of investigation (exhibit 3) and N30,300.
Mr Tanko and one of his alleged accomplices, Isyaku, have pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy but denied four other charges in the murder trial.
However, the other suspect, Fatima Jibrin, denied all the charges at the previous sitting
The suspects were charged with criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, concealing/keeping in confinement a kidnapped person and culpable homicide, offences contrary to Sections 97, 274, 277 and 221 of the Penal Code.
Hanifa was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by Mr Tanko, who was her teacher, and two other suspects.
The Attorney General had earlier informed the court that sometime in Nov. 2021, the defendants conspired and kidnapped the five-year-old Hanifa while she was returning from Islamiyya school.
He alleged that Tanko, the proprietor of Nobel Kids Comprehensive College, Kano, had on Dec. 4, 2021, kidnapped and held Hanifa hostage in his house situated at Tudun Murtala for days and killed her with poison.
“In the process, the second defendant Isyaku buried her in a shallow grave in the premises of Northwest Preparatory School situated at Kwanar Yan Ghana, Tudun Murtala, Kano.
“On Dec. 27, 2021, the third defendant Musa wrote a letter to the victim’s family, on behalf of Tanko, demanding the sum of six million Naira as ransom.”
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Monday celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Faculty of Education and inaugurated its Alumni Association at the Convocation Arena of the university’s new campus.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event was graced by government officials, education stakeholders, and alumni all gathered to commemorate the faculty’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector.
In her keynote address, the State Minister for Education, Mrs. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad announced the Federal Government’s Sector Renewal Initiative designed to transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.
She highlighted that the aim of the renewal initiative consists of – Reducing the number of out-of-school children; combating learning poverty; nhancing skills development and human capital for the labor market
The minister noted that the initiative prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Digital literacy and education quality assurance.
Mrs. Ahmad disclosed that the Federal Government had disbursed ₦35 billion to 261 beneficiaries under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with BUK among the top beneficiaries.
“So far, the scheme has received 420 applications, and we are scaling up investments,” she stated.
She further confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦120 billion to boost TVET programs, with plans to train 650 youths in technical, vocational, and digital skills over the next two years.
Emeritus Professor Sani Ahmad Sufi, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the faculty for its high-quality graduates.
“Our pride lies not just in the number of graduates produced yearly, but in their impact across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He added that the faculty has produced Nigeria’s largest pool of graduate teachers many of whom hold key positions nationally and internationally.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje applauded the faculty for its significant role in advancing education in Nigeria.
The event concluded with awards presented to distinguished alumni and supporters of the faculty in recognition of their contributions to its growth.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.
His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.
On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.
During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.
This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.
This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.
According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”
His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.
The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.
By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.
As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.
His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.
Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Governor of the Year 2024 (Good Governance) by Vanguard Newspaper, in recognition of his transformative achievements in the education and healthcare sectors.
The recognition was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Governor Yusuf received the award at a prestigious event held in Lagos, where eminent personalities from across the country were honoured for excellence in leadership and service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, Atedo Peterside, emphasized that the selection process was based on merit and verifiable impact, commending the awardees for their outstanding contributions to national development.
Vanguard’s Editor-in-Chief, Eze Anaba, praised Governor Yusuf for setting a high standard in governance through his commitment, innovation, and focus on people-centered policies.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Vanguard for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Kano State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens, especially education, health, and social welfare.
Other recipients of the Good Governance Award included Governors Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo).
Governor Yusuf was accompanied to the ceremony by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, special advisers, local government chairmen, and close political allies.
This latest honour comes just four days after he received the Governor of the Year (Education) award from Leadership Newspaper.
The Governor is also scheduled to receive the Africa Good Governance Award from Heritage Times Magazine later this month in Morocco.
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