Headlines
Emir Sanusi appeals for calm amidst heightened security at Palace
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called for calm following the heavy security presence around the Kofar Kudu Palace in Kano City.
KANO FOCUS reports that the tense atmosphere is linked to the ongoing tussle over the Kano emirship throne between Emir Sanusi II and his cousin, Aminu Ado Bayero, son of the late Emir Abdullahi Ado Bayero.
On Friday morning, security operatives reportedly surrounded the Kofar Kudu Palace, allegedly preventing Emir Sanusi II from attending a royal event in Bichi Local Government Area.
Armoured personnel carriers were seen blocking the palace entrance, with sources claiming the Emir was advised to remain indoors.
Despite the apparent tension, Emir Sanusi addressed worshippers during Jumaat prayers at the palace, urging his supporters to maintain peace and avoid violence.
“I warn you against falling into the traps of the enemies of Kano, who want to see our city in chaos,” he said.
“Islam teaches patience in both challenging and peaceful times. Shunning violence, regardless of the situation, ensures progress and unity for all.”
Sanusi stressed the importance of restraint, saying, “If you love and support us, do not resort to violence under any circumstance.”
Kano Govt blames FG over Emir’s palace barricade
The Kano State Government has accused the Federal Government of being behind the Friday security takeover of the palace of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
In an interview with Freedom Radio, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, expressed surprise at the police sealing off the palace entrance. He said, “We were really surprised to wake up to this development, with the police sealing off the entrance to the palace of Kano Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II.”
Bichi continued, “What surprises us the most is that Kano is peaceful, but it’s just a few people with backing from Abuja who don’t want peace in Kano. The emir was supposed to escort his district head of Bichi, Wamban Kano, to pray with him and then return. We were all invited, and then we woke up to this. We asked for an explanation, and they told us it was an order from above. The ‘above’ refers to the Federal Government.”
Bichi reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining peace, saying, “We in Kano have resolved to stay in peace, and peace will reign. Nobody will come to Kano and destabilize it. The emir has appointed the district head, and that decision stands. The emir will accompany him to his post, and we will go with him when the time comes.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
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Kano Govt inaugurates 23-member committee to disburse Singer market fire relief
Kano Govt announces March 1 for schools’ Ramadan break
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