News
Friday Sermon: Imam condemns killing of innocent souls, warns against bloodshed
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque in Kogi State, Imam Murtadha Gusau, has strongly condemned the killing of innocent people, describing it as one of the gravest sins in Islam and a dangerous threat to peace, faith, and social order.
Delivering a Friday sermon titled “The Grave Prohibition of Killing Innocent Souls,” the cleric warned that the unjust taking of human life attracts severe punishment from Allah and undermines the very essence of Islam. He stressed that no worldly gain, including power, wealth, or status, can justify the killing of an innocent person.
Imam Gusau cited several verses of the Qur’an and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to emphasize the sanctity of human life, particularly that of a Muslim. He reminded worshippers that Allah has clearly warned that anyone who intentionally kills a believer faces Hellfire, divine anger, and a tremendous punishment.
According to the cleric, the shedding of innocent blood, especially among Muslims, has become alarmingly frequent in parts of Nigeria, a situation he described as tragic and unacceptable. He expressed concern that violence is now being carried out not only by enemies of Islam but also by those who claim to be Muslims.
He referenced prophetic traditions predicting a time of widespread killing, when people would murder one another without clear reason, noting that such a period appears to be unfolding. Imam Gusau warned that love of worldly gains, greed, power struggles, and material competition are major drivers of violence and bloodshed.
The Imam also cautioned against vigilantism and extrajudicial killings, stressing that Islam forbids individuals from taking the law into their own hands. He explained that justice must only be administered through lawful and recognized authorities to prevent chaos and further injustice.
Highlighting the value Islam places on human life, Imam Gusau quoted the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) as saying that the sanctity of a believer’s life is greater in the sight of Allah than that of the Ka‘abah, and that the destruction of the entire world is less serious than the unlawful killing of a single believer.
He urged Muslims to fear Allah, avoid being misled by hatred or misinformation, and resist the influence of those who trivialize or justify violence. He also warned that anyone who takes pride in killing innocent people risks having all their good deeds rejected.
The sermon concluded with prayers for peace, forgiveness, and guidance for leaders, as well as supplications for Allah to protect society from violence, injustice, and bloodshed.
News
Kwankwasiyya movement announces key leadership appointments
Nura Abdullahi
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has announced the appointment of new officials into strategic leadership positions as part of efforts to strengthen its organisational structure and enhance grassroots mobilisation.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement was made in an official statement issued by Saifullahi Hassan, media aide to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
According to the statement, the appointments are in line with the movement’s commitment to strengthening leadership coordination and advancing its ideals across all levels.
Those appointed include AVM Ibrahim Umaru as Chief Security Officer; Dr. Yusuf Kofar Mata as Secretary, State Caucus; Hon. Nasiru Sule Garo as Secretary, CRC; Hon. Sanusi Surajo as Director of Mobilisation; Hon. Adamu Kibiya as Secretary, Kano PROPA; and Hon. Mustapha Rabi’u Musa as Secretary, Kwankwasiyya.
The movement said the appointments reflect its dedication to effective organisation and strategic engagement, noting that the newly appointed officials are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of its objectives.
It congratulated the appointees and expressed confidence in their ability to diligently discharge their responsibilities in service to the movement and its supporters.
News
Kwankwasiyya movement explains position on Kano bye-elections
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has clarified its stance on the ongoing bye-elections in Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Assembly constituencies, saying its decisions were guided by compassion and principle rather than political expediency.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, and signed by its spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, Ph.D., the movement said the bye-elections followed the tragic death of the two lawmakers who represented the constituencies.
According to the statement, both deceased lawmakers were elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and were committed members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement until their passing.
The movement disclosed that its National Leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in the spirit of compassion and continuity, supported the nomination of the deceased lawmakers’ children as the party’s flag bearers. The arrangement, it said, was adopted as a consensus during the mourning period.
However, the group noted that following the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC), there were changes in the political landscape.
It alleged that on the eve of the final submission of candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), new nominations were made under the APC platform, including the House Leader in Ungogo Local Government and a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor for Kano Municipal.
The statement further claimed that after public backlash and disapproval, there was a reversal leading to the adoption of the same individuals earlier nominated under the NNPP, but this time as APC candidates. It added that the nominees subsequently resigned their NNPP membership and moved to the APC.
Despite the development, the Kwankwasiyya Movement said its National Leader maintained his earlier position that the children of the deceased lawmakers should be allowed to return to the State Assembly, regardless of the platform on which they were contesting.
The movement stated that the NNPP deliberately refrained from substituting the candidates’ names after their resignation from the party, describing the action as evidence that there is only one recognised and legitimate NNPP structure in Kano State.
It added that the absence of NNPP candidates on the ballot for the bye-elections, as recognised by INEC, puts to rest speculation about parallel party structures in the state.
Reaffirming its core values of loyalty, justice and compassion, the Kwankwasiyya Movement urged the public to disregard what it described as attempts to distort facts for political advantage.
Headlines
Kano begins Ramadan food distribution as Gov. Yusuf constitutes feeding committee
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has commenced the distribution of food items ahead of the 2026/1447AH Ramadan, following the approval of a Ramadan Feeding Programme Committee by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, food distribution began on Thursday, February 19, 2026, across 115 feeding centres located within the eight metropolitan local government areas of Kano State.
The governor said the initiative is designed to support the less privileged and ease the burden of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. He urged members of the newly constituted committee to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, transparency and fear of God to ensure the success of the programme.
Committee Composition
The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Ahmed Tijani Auwalu.
Other members include the Commissioner for Local Government, Muhammad Tajo Othman; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf; Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Dahiru Hashim; Chairman of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Shehu Maihula; and several special advisers and directors-general.
Also serving on the committee are the Accountant General of the State, Jamila Magaji Abdullahi; the Director General of the Hisbah Board, Abba Saidu Sufi; Director General, Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa; and Director General, Protocol, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, among others.
All chairmen of the eight metropolitan local government areas—Tarauni, Fagge, Kano Municipal, Gwale, Nassarawa, Dala, Kumbotso and T/Wada—are members of the committee, alongside representatives from the Government House and the Zakkat Commission.
Akibu Isa Murtala, Special Adviser on Administration, will serve as Secretary, while Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary/AGS in the SSG’s Office, will serve as Co-Secretary.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed that the Ramadan Feeding Programme remains a key social intervention initiative of his administration, aimed at promoting unity and providing relief to vulnerable residents across Kano State during the fasting period.
