Headlines
Again traffickers sell Kano children for N500,000 in Lagos, Anambra
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Police Command, on Thursday, said it busted a child trafficking syndicate that sold children from the state for between N400,000 and N500,000 in Lagos, Anambra and other states in the South.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Police also rescued seven children from the nine-man syndicate. The children were aged between three and eight years. It was learned that they were stolen as infants.
Meanwhile, before selling off the children, their names were usually changed.
The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Usaini Gumel, paraded the suspects at the Bompai Police headquarters of the state.
Muhammad Usaini Gumel
Gumel said the command busted the syndicate when one Comfort was intercepted at the Mariri luxurious park in Kano. She was attempting to traffick a five-year-old victim (names withheld) to Lagos.
He said Comfort’s arrest led to nabbing other eight members of the syndicate.
According to him, “In the area of tackling offences around human trafficking, including the buying and selling of minors, the Police Command has conducted several intelligence-led operations.
“This led to the longtime cycle of inter-state trafficking syndicates hibernating around Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Lagos, Delta, Anambra, and Imo states, etc identified and dismantled.”
How they nabbed the traffickers
Speaking on how the nine traffickers were arrested, the police boss said: “At the stage of preliminary investigation, four other suspects were separately arrested for being part of the syndicate.
“They are Ezugbu, 52, of Sabon Gari Quarters; Nzelu, 43, of Sabon Gari Quarters; Ali, 35, of Badawa Quarters, Kano, and Ekeidigwe, 55, of Weitherhead Sabon Gari Quarters Kano.
“It was discovered during the investigation that the child, who is from Zango Quarters, was abducted on December 12 from Bauchi State.
“Further investigation revealed that the suspects are in the same cycle of abducting, buying and selling minors from Bauchi and Kano states. They traffick and sell them to people within their racket in different locations in Lagos and Anambra states.
“In addition, two more syndicate members were arrested in Bauchi. They are Yarima, 45, of Zango Quarters, Bauchi, and Samuel, 35, of Yelwa, Bauchi State.
“Also, one other syndicate member was arrested in Lagos State. She is Obi, indigene of Nnewi, Anambra State, aged 59 years. Through her another syndicate member was also arrested in Nnewi. She is Eriobuna, aged 59.
“This brought the total number of arrested trafficking suspects to nine.
Victim’s name changed
“It was found during investigations that another victim, Ilya, had his name changed to Chidebere. He was abducted from Bauchi and sold at Nnewi. He has also been rescued.
“The child that was rescued at Mariri Luxurious Park had his name changed to Ifenyin Chukwu and sold at ₦480,000. Asiya changed to Chioma and sold N480,000. She is four years, abducted in Bauchi and rescued at Niger Road, Sabon Gari Quarters, Kano.
“Mahmud Bilyaminu, aged three, abducted from Bauchi, re-named Chioma, sold for N450,000 and rescued at Niger Road, Sabon Gari, Kano.
“Usman Adamu, aged eight years, abducted from Bauchi, sold at ₦450,000, name changed to Chibuke also rescued at Yoruba Road, Sabon Gari Kano. Hafizu Hassan, eight, abducted from Bauchi, sold at ₦480,000, and his name changed to Uche Chukwu. He was rescued at Niger Road, Sabon Gari Kano.
“Chiamaka Ambrose, aged seven, abducted on her birthday at Yelwa Bauchi. She was sold at ₦300,000, but rescued at Niger Road, Sabon Gari Kano. We are still searching for her parents.
“Mohammed Iliya, aged five, was abducted from Bauchi three years back, sold at ₦500,000, and renamed Chidebere. He was rescued at Nnewi, Anambra State.
“Some of these children are cultured and assimilated as they can no longer speak their parents’ language.
“This is part of our determination to ensure that Kano State remains a place where the rights and dignity of every individual are upheld.’
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
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