Headlines
Kano gov’t confirms taking over Emir Sanusi’s N250m land, asks monarch to send account details for N4.5m compensation
By Nazifi Dawud
The Kano state Bureau for Land Management has confirmed taking over a plot of land worth N250 million belonging to Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II and asked the monarch to send his account details to receive a N4.5 million compensation.
The state government was reacting to a joint investigative report by KANO FOCUS and DAILY NIGERIAN which revealed how the state Commissioner for Works Engr, Muaz Magaji personally bulldozed the fences and structures within Mr Sanusi’s land.
Mr Magaji also said the government had approved a payment of N4.5 million compensation on the land, located at Ibrahim Dabo road valued at N250 million–a figure given by palace sources.
“I can tell you he got the alert. For eight months, this issue has stalled the project, and this project is for public interest.
“We were even hoping that the Emir would give us the land for free to continue with the work. But since he did not give it to us, we decided to engage to services of valuers who valued it according to the statutory land rate because the government does not engage in commercial purchase,” he had said.
However in a statement on Wednesday, Murtala Shehu Umar, spokesperson for the state Bureau for Land Management claimed that the state government did not seize Mr Sanusi’s land, arguing that the structures on the land were demolished with the Emir’s consent.
“Kano State Bureau for Land Management has debunked reports of some media stations/outfits most especially those operating online that, Kano State Government has seized Emir Sanusi’s Land worth N250 million and paid him N4.5 million as compensation.
“The State Government didn’t seize any land belonging to the Monarch. Although as the general public is aware that, the present administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is constructing a gigantic Underpass, first of its kind in the country at Dangi on Zaria road, and due to the nature design and size of the underpass some structures within the area were affected and need to be removed from the area.
“Among the structures affected are 2 wall fencing the land belonging to the Emir, one wall at Ibrahim Dabo Road, and the other one is at Dr Borodo Road, and one big dilapidated room attached to the walls, these structures were removed with the consent of His Royal Highness as it was not the whole plot that was affected as some Medias reported
“Any person is free to visit the area to assess and see for himself to avoid doubt, and report to the general public what he/ she has seen instead of carrying news from the people who don’t want peace in State,” the statement read.
The state government also requested Emir Sanusi to forward his account details for payment of his compensation.
“Based on this development Kano State Bureau for Land Management is appealing to His Royal Highness the Emir of Kano Malan Muhammadu Sanusi II to send his account details for the payment of his compensation, since the Government has released the money to the Bureau to settle all the compensation of the affected structures, and only the Emir is yet to submit his bank details as at this time.
“Once again it should be noted that, there is nothing like seizure of the plot from the monarch or anybody since this Government came on board,” the statement added.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
