Headlines
Kano Justice Ministry secures conviction in child rape case
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Justice has secured the conviction of a 30-year-old man, Bashiru Alhassan, for rape and acts of gross indecency against two minors aged five and eight years in Rijiyar Lemo Quarters of Kano.
KANO FOCUS reports that the conviction followed a briefing by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Barrister Abdullah Ibrahim, at the ministry’s headquarters in the Audu Bako Secretariat, Kano.
According to the ministry, the case was diligently prosecuted by Barrister Farida Z. Bello, whose professionalism and commitment were commended for ensuring justice for the victims.
Alhassan was arraigned on November 24, 2022, before High Court No. 14 on Miller Road, Kano, presided over by Justice Maryam A. Sabo, on a four-count charge bordering on rape and gross indecency, contrary to Sections 283 and 285 of the Penal Code (as amended).
During the trial, the prosecution called six witnesses and tendered three exhibits, which successfully established the case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.
In her judgment, Justice Sabo found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to seven and fourteen years’ imprisonment with hard labour, to run concurrently. The court also imposed an additional fine of ₦200,000.
The ministry described the judgment as a significant milestone in strengthening justice delivery and child protection mechanisms in Kano State. It reaffirmed its commitment to the prosecution of all sexual and gender-based offences, particularly those involving children and other vulnerable persons.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Kano State Ministry of Justice also urged members of the public to continue supporting efforts aimed at safeguarding the rights and dignity of all citizens, especially minors.
Headlines
Gov. Yusuf mourns former Kano finance commissioner, Prof. Dandago
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kano State Commissioner of Finance and renowned academic, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf described the late Prof. Dandago as a dedicated public servant and accomplished scholar whose contributions to education and governance left lasting footprints in Kano State.
He noted that the former finance commissioner served the state with integrity and commitment and was widely respected for his professionalism, humility and passion for knowledge.
According to the governor, Kano State has lost a valuable son whose experience and wisdom greatly enriched both public service and the academic community.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the academic community and the people of Kano State over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Prof. Dandago, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Headlines
GATCOSA President, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago is dead
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Headlines
BUK clinches Northwest 3×3 basketball title at ABU Zaria
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
