Headlines
MURIC faults proposed U.S. sanctions on Kwankwaso, others
Nura Abdullahi
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticised a proposed bill by five United States lawmakers seeking sanctions against former Kano State governor and National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, among others.
KANO FOCUS reports that the bill reportedly recommends measures including visa bans and asset freezes over alleged religious freedom violations.
In a press release issued on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Executive Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, described the move as “lopsided, unjust and selective.”
Akintola argued that if sanctions are to be imposed, they should not focus solely on Muslim individuals and groups. He called for what he described as a balanced and comprehensive approach, alleging that there are also cases of religious extremism and violations committed by actors in other parts of the country.
“We affirm that there is denial of religious freedom and religious extremism in Nigeria,” he said. “But the culprits include fanatics among both Christians and Muslims. If sanctions are to be imposed, they must be comprehensive and unbiased.”
The group alleged that some government officials in Southern Nigeria and certain militia groups in North Central Nigeria have also been involved in rights violations and should be investigated if the U.S. intends to ensure fairness.
MURIC further claimed that U.S. officials often engage Christian leaders and activists from Nigeria without giving equal hearing to Muslim representatives, describing the approach as contrary to the principle of fairness.
Akintola also expressed concern over what he termed the “false designation” of Nigeria as a country perpetrating genocide against Christians, urging the U.S. Congress to conduct broader consultations and investigations before taking punitive measures.
The organisation said it has documented cases of alleged discrimination and marginalisation of Muslims in parts of Southern Nigeria and is prepared to present such records to international bodies if given the opportunity.
While stressing that Nigerian Muslims have no hostility toward the United States, MURIC called for caution, urging U.S. lawmakers to undertake further findings before imposing sanctions.
The group also warned that extremist organisations such as Boko Haram and ISIS should not be allowed to exploit the situation.
The proposed bill remains at the introduction stage in the U.S. Congress and has not yet been passed into law.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
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