Headlines
Five jailed for ATM card fraud in Kano
Mukhtar Yahaya Usman
Justice Zuwaira Yusuf of the Kano State High Court has convicted and sentenced Salim Mohammed Sarki, Sani M. Auwalu, Bashir Bashir Nasidi, Aliyu Mika’il Muhammed and Yahaya Abdullahi Abubakar (Shoki) to two weeks imprisonment for conspiring to steal the sum of N1, 398,972.19.
KANO FOCUS reports that the convicts’ journey to prison started when the Commission received a petition, alleging that an account was opened in his name in a new generation bank without his knowledge or consent.
The petitioner further alleged that the said account was being used to perpetrate fraud, adding that he was arrested by the police upon his arrival at Jaiz Bank to conduct a transaction and subsequently charged to court.
Upon receipt of the petition, the Commission commenced investigation which subsequently revealed that the son of the complainant, Sani Awwal stole his father’s ATM card and SIM card and used the same to steal N100,000 from the bank account of his father. He perpetrated the theft with the help of the other defendants.
However, one of the defendants, Salim Mohammed Sarki used the SIM card and generated the Bank Verification Number of the complaint and used the same to upon another account in the bank for purposes of warehousing stolen money.
Consequently, Salim used the new bank account to receive the sum of N1, 298,972.19 from different victims.
All the defendants pleaded guilty to the six counts when they were read to them.
One of the charge read “That you, SALIM MOHAMMED SARKI (M), SANI M. AUWALU (M), BASHIR BASHIR NASIDI (M), YAHAYA ABDULYAHI ABUBAKAR (SHOKI) (M), and ALIYU MIKA’IL MUHAMMED on or about 5′ April, 2021, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Justice, Kano did an illegal act, to wit; conspired to open and use Ja’iz bank account with number 0008334796 in the name of Auwal Ya’u which was used to defraud unsuspecting individuals including Auwal Ya’u and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 287 of the Penal Code Law.”
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, B. M Buhari asked the court to convict them accordingly.
Subsequently, Justice Yusuf convicted and sentenced the defendants to two weeks non-custodial prison term each.
The court also ordered them to sweep the premises of the Nigeria Immigration Service at Farm Centre for two weeks.
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.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
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
