Headlines
Kwankwasiyya leaders under probe over alleged Pantami humiliation
By Nazifi Dawud
Key leaders of the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano state have been invited by the Kano State Police Command to answer questions over the alleged humiliation of Sheik Ali Pantami, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and a top Islamic cleric at the Kano airport.
Kano Focus recalls that Pantami was booed, heckled and jostled by youths suspected to be members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, loyal to a former governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, while returning to Abuja through the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) after a condolence visit to Kano.
Following public outcry and condemnation of the incident, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kano, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, promptly denied that the Kwankwasiyya group was behind the alleged humiliation of the minister.
He accused political opponents of using the red cap–a key symbol of the Kwankwasiyya movement–to attack Mr Pantami in order to tarnish the group’s image and that of the PDP–the main opposition party in the state.
On Friday however, the state police command, through its spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said it had invited Mr Bichi, Aminu Abdussalam, the Kano PDP deputy governorship candidate and Dr. Yunusa Dangwani, director-general of the PDP campaign organization in Kano.
Mr Kiyawa, a deputy superintendent of police, said the opposition members, who are also top guns in the Kwankwasiyya group, were invited to shed light on the possible involvement of their members in Mr Pantami’s humiliation.
He added that the three PDP chiefs were invited and interrogated by the Police Commissioner, Ahmed Iliyasu, alongside the Director of Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano, to establish the intent of the unruly behaviour of their supporters.
The police spokesperson warned that anyone found culpable in embarrassing Mr Pantami would be punished in accordance with the law.
‘’The Police invited the PDP stalwarts in the state in connection, with the mob action attempt on the minister at the Airport in Kano. In attendance were the Chairman of PDP in Kano, Suleiman Bichi; PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam; and the DG, Governorship campaign, Haruna Dangwani. They were interrogated by the CP himself, alongside the Director, DSS in Kano. They were invited and quizzed about the ugly incident that happened at the Kano airport, last week Monday,” Mr Kiyawa said.
However, the PDP officials reportedly denied playing any role in the incident, insisting that they had warned their supporters against causing any trouble while at the Kano airport to see off the 242 students that were sponsored for postgraduate studies abroad.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his long-time political ally, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on his 76th birthday, marked on December 25.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Dr. Ganduje as an astute politician and accomplished administrator who has devoted over five decades to public service in Nigeria.
The President recalled that Dr. Ganduje served the nation in several key capacities, including as a senior administrator in the Federal Capital Territory before returning to Kano State to serve as Commissioner for Works during the military era. He later became a two-term Deputy Governor of Kano State and subsequently served two consecutive terms as Governor of the state.
Dr. Ganduje, who also served as National Chairman of the APC, is currently the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
President Tinubu praised Ganduje’s enduring friendship and political collaboration, noting his significant contributions to the growth and stability of the ruling party.
“I will forever appreciate Ganduje’s friendship and close collaboration at different times, as well as his services to the APC,” the President said.
He prayed Almighty Allah to grant the former Kano State governor good health and long life to enable him to continue serving Nigeria and humanity.
Dr. Ganduje’s 76th birthday has drawn goodwill messages from political leaders and associates across the country, celebrating his long years of service and contributions to national development.
Headlines
NAHCON Secures ₦19 Billion Cost Reduction for 2026 Hajj, Pilgrims to Save Over ₦200,000 Each
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a ₦19 billion cost reduction for the 2026 Hajj, following a successful negotiation with Saudi service providers and Nigeria’s State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on the outcome of his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia. He explained that the deal translates to a direct saving of more than ₦200,000 per pilgrim. Nigeria has been allocated 66,910 Hajj slots for the 2026 pilgrimage.
During the visit, NAHCON signed key service contracts with Mashariq Dhahabiyya for Masha’ir operations and Daleel Al-Ma’aleem for transportation. It also secured better accommodation and feeding arrangements in the Markaziyya area of Madinah at competitive rates.
Professor Sale further announced the official fares for the 2026 Hajj as follows:
Maiduguri/Yola: ₦8.12 million
Other northern states: ₦8.24 million
Southern states: ₦8.56 million
He stressed that State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards must remit 50 percent of the fares by October 8, 2025, while full payments from intending pilgrims are due by December 31, 2025.
“The deadlines are critical to enable early bookings and smooth operations,” he said, reaffirming NAHCON’s commitment to delivering a hitch-free Hajj exercise in 2026.
The NAHCON boss also appealed to the media for sustained support in sensitizing the public, noting that effective collaboration will ensure that the commission achieves its goals for Nigerians
… As Gov. Yusuf Condemns CP Bakori’s Partisan Conduct
… Demands His Immediate Removal for Sabotage, Unethical Behaviour
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has condemned in the strongest terms the unprofessional and partisan conduct of the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, describing his actions as deliberate sabotage against the people of Kano and the Nigerian state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed outrage over the sudden withdrawal of police participation from the 2025 Independence Day celebration in Kano — an order CP Bakori issued just hours before the commencement of the event.
Governor Yusuf said the action was a clear demonstration of bias, insubordination, and betrayal of the Nigeria Police Force’s constitutional duty.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, we cannot tolerate sabotage to the peace, security, and wellbeing of our citizens. It is disgraceful that a Commissioner of Police would descend so low into partisan politics by boycotting a national event that symbolizes unity, patriotism, and democracy,” Governor Yusuf stated.
The governor accused CP Bakori of consistently aligning with political interests opposed to the will of the people of Kano, thereby eroding public trust in the police command. He described the CP as a “political police officer” who has abandoned professionalism and is actively undermining democracy.
“The police must never be seen as tools of politicians. They are expected to protect all Nigerians, regardless of political leanings. Unfortunately, CP Bakori has turned himself into a willing instrument of division and insecurity in Kano State,” the statement added.
Governor Yusuf therefore led the voices of Kano stakeholders who were present at the 2025 Independence Day Celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, in calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police to immediately remove CP Bakori from office and replace him with a competent and non-partisan officer who will restore confidence, fairness, and neutrality in policing Kano State.
The stakeholders who joined their voices with that of the Governor included traditional and religious leaders, NNPP members of the state and national assemblies, the business community, youth groups, and labour organizations.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and properties of the people, stressing that no act of sabotage from compromised security officials will succeed in destabilizing Kano under his watch.
He also commended the efforts of other security agencies in the state — with the exception of the police.
Governor Yusuf appreciated the leadership of the state commands of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and the State Directorate of Security Services, all of whom participated in the 2025 Independence Parade.
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