Headlines
2019: Year of domestic violence in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf
2019 was a particularly disturbing year for many people who had paid attention to the serial incidents of domestic violence in Kano, which had resulted in loss of lives or serious injurious to victims. Kano Focus picks some of the chilling cases of domestic violence that shook residents to their bone marrows.
Wife allegedly stabs husband over ‘nude photos’
On June 22nd, a 21-year-old housewife, Fatima Musa Hamza, popularly known as Hannan reportedly stabbed her husband Sa’id Hussain for seizing her phone which she was allegedly using to send her nude photos to secret lovers.
The marriage between the couple started to experience trouble just two weeks after the their wedding.
Sa’id Hussain was allegedly stabbed by his wife Hanan
Her family accused the husband of battery in a widely circulated video clip in which Hanan shows injuries allegedly inflicted on her by her husband.
It was learnt that Ms Hanan, who was five months pregnant at the time of the incident, bled profusely following Mr Hussain’s alleged attack on her.
She was said to have delivered of a baby girl, who came with serious health challenges and died six weeks ago.
However, Mr Hussain denied the allegation, and also accused his wife of infidelity, saying he caught her sending nude videos to her “boyfriends.”
Kano Focus reports that Hanan, who was arraigned by the Kano state police command was granted bail.
The case is due to be heard on January 27, 2020.
Wife arrested for allegedly poisoning husband in Kano
On April 16, the police command in Kano State arrested a 15-year-old housewife, Hassana Lawan of Bechi Village, in Kumbotso local government area of the state for allegedly poisoning her 33-year-old husband, Sale Abubakar.
The suspect was said to have fed her husband Abubakar with a meal laced with rat poison.
The victim was rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital for treatment while the suspect was charged to court by the police.
Wife ‘pours hot water on husband’s manhood’ in Kano
On Friday July 12, Kano State Police Command confirmed the arrest of a housewife, Aisha Ali, who allegedly poured hot water on the private part of her husband at Dambatta local government area of the state.
The suspect, who fled the village after committing the offence, was trailed and arrested at her hideout in Babura town in neighbouring Jigawa state.
The victim in hospital
Man ‘slaughters 17-year-old wife’ in Kano
On April 3, the police command in Kano State arrested a 26-year-old man, Aminu Inuwa, of Jakada Quarters, for allegedly slaughtering his 17-year-old wife, Safara’u Aminu at midnight.
The Police alleged that the suspect and his wife had a misunderstanding, after which Inuwa slaughtered his wife and buried her in the house.
The police exhumed the body from the shallow grave and took it to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano for autopsy.
Housewife slumps, dies after fighting with co-wife in Kano
Again on April 3, a housewife, Bilkisu Abubakar slumped and died during a quarrel with her co-wife, Hajara Abubakar.
Both were married to the same husband at Jiramo village in Takai local government area of Kano state.
Police said the suspect, Hajara had a quarrel with her deceased co-wife resulting to a fight, during which Bilkisu suddenly collapsed and died.
Horror as 57-year-old man ‘stabs brother to death’
On July 19, a 57-year-old man, Tijjani Yahaya, stabbed his 20-year-old brother, Aminu Mohammad, to death.
Police said the incident occurred at Annandin Islamic School, Kofar Ruwa, Dala local government area, at about 9:00 p.m.
According to police investigations Yahaya and the victim had a misunderstanding and, in the process, Yahaya stabbed the deceased in the chest with a sharp knife.
Teenage girl ‘stabs brother to death over wedding party’
On July 6, a 19-year old lady, Mariya Sulaiman, stabbed to death her elder brother, Sani Sulaiman.
Police said Mariya and Sani had a disagreement over a party organised to celebrate the wedding of their sister in Badawa quarters, Nassarawa local government, Kano state.
The suspect, Mariya Suleiman
The argument erupted between the deceased and his younger sister when the former ordered that a music being played at the ceremony be stopped.
It was during the argument that Mariya stabbed Sani with a knife on his neck, resulting to his death.
The father of the deceased, Alhaji Sule Ustaz and his wife were said to have fainted when they were told of their son’s death.
Hauwa Umar
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a device verification platform to strengthen regulatory compliance, protect consumers and curb the circulation of counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised communication devices in Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commission said the NCC Device Checker Platform would enable consumers to verify the regulatory approval status of SIM-enabled devices before purchasing them, while helping ensure that devices connected to Nigerian telecommunications networks meet established technical standards.
The Kano Zonal Controller of the NCC, Engr. Maigana Gidado, disclosed this on Thursday during a media briefing at the commission’s zonal office in Kano.
Engr. Gidado said the initiative was part of the commission’s efforts to strengthen Type Approval compliance and improve the integrity of communication devices used on Nigerian networks.
According to him, the commission has made progress in implementing the initiative through the regularisation and licensing of device dealers, as well as sensitisation engagements with importers and other industry stakeholders.
He said the commission had streamlined its licensing and regularisation processes, enabling a significant number of device dealers in Kano State to obtain licences.
The NCC had also conducted stakeholder sensitisation engagements in Lagos and other parts of the country to improve awareness of Type Approval requirements and obligations under the Device Checker framework.
“These initiatives have strengthened accountability across the device supply chain and improved compliance with regulatory requirements,” he said.
Engr. Gidado added that the commission had developed a user-friendly Device Checker application that allows authorised stakeholders to scan device International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and upload information directly to the platform.
He said the application was designed to simplify compliance procedures, improve efficiency and make the verification process more accessible to relevant industry participants.
The zonal controller urged consumers to verify the status of devices before purchasing them through the commission’s *Check Your Device* portal at [www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker](http://www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker) by entering the device’s IMEI number.
He also directed manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to consult the Type Approval and Device Verification Guide available at [www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide](http://www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide) to understand their responsibilities under the regulatory framework.
According to him, organisations seeking Equipment Type Approval can access the relevant application requirements and procedures through the Type Approval section of the commission’s website.
Engr. Gidado, however, clarified that the Device Checker Platform was not a surveillance tool and would not access users’ personal data, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other private content stored on their devices.
He explained that the platform’s purpose was limited to device identification and verification of regulatory compliance.
The NCC urged consumers to patronise reputable and licensed dealers and take advantage of its online resources to make informed purchasing decisions.
It also encouraged industry stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the commission’s Type Approval requirements and ensure full compliance.
Engr. Gidado said consumers requiring assistance or wishing to lodge complaints could contact the commission through its 315 toll-free consumer line.
He reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to consumer protection, fair competition and network integrity, adding that the commission would continue to promote a trusted communications ecosystem in Nigeria.
Suspect returned to Kano to face investigation, prosecution
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has arrested a suspected gang leader and sponsor, Ishaq Lawan Ibrahim, popularly known as Malam Keya, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
KANO FOCUS reports that the 27-year-old suspect, from Yelwa in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, is accused of sponsoring violent gang clashes that have claimed lives and heightened insecurity in parts of the state.
The task force disclosed this in a statement, saying the suspect was arrested following intelligence-led operations after allegedly fleeing Kano as security operations against gang violence intensified.
According to the statement, operatives tracked him to Port Harcourt and arrested him in an operation led by the task force’s Head of Operations, CSP Bashir Gwadabe. He has since been returned to Kano.
The task force alleged that Malam Keya played a leading role in orchestrating and financing hoodlums involved in violent attacks in Dala and other affected communities.
The areas reportedly affected by the gang violence include Jakara, Madigawa, Yalwa, Sanka, Kul Kul, Dogon Nama, Kukar Bulukiya, Dala, Shatsari and Dandalin Turawa.
Confirming the arrest, the task force chairman, Barr Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said the operation demonstrated the agency’s determination to pursue suspected sponsors of violence beyond Kano State.
“Let me assure you that those who bankroll violence should know that no distance, and no hiding place, will protect them. This arrest is only the beginning. We will not rest until peace is fully restored,” he said.
The task force said the suspect remained in custody for further investigation and would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation.
It added that its operations would continue in accordance with the law, with all suspects entitled to due process.
The agency also pledged to sustain efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, identify their alleged sponsors and disrupt drug supply networks linked to criminal activities.
It urged residents, community and religious leaders, parents and youths to support security efforts by reporting suspicious persons and activities, monitoring their neighbourhoods and discouraging young people from being recruited into criminal gangs.
The task force described public cooperation as essential to restoring peace and security across the state.
It also acknowledged the support of the Kano and Rivers state police commands and other law enforcement agencies in the operation.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Police Command has foiled an alleged kidnapping plot in Gezawa Local Government Area and arrested two 20-year-old suspects over threats to abduct a village head.
KANO FOCUS reports that the suspects, identified as Aliyu Naziru Garba and Bashir Alhasan, were arrested following intelligence-led operations by police operatives attached to the Gezawa Divisional Police Headquarters.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.
According to the statement, the incident was reported on October 26, 2026, at about 1:30 a.m. by the village head of Bangare, Mallam Idris, who told the police that he had received a threatening phone call from an unidentified person on October 24 at about 9:33 p.m.
The caller allegedly threatened to kidnap him.
Following the report, police operatives launched a follow-up operation, which led to the arrest of the two suspects.
“The suspects have confessed to the commission of the crime,” the statement said, adding that investigations were ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court upon completion.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended officers of the Gezawa Division for their swift and professional response.
Bakori reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities and said the operation aligned with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which prioritises intelligence-led and technology-driven policing, professionalism and proactive crime prevention.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station.
The command also provided the following emergency contact numbers for reporting security concerns: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.
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Kano Police foil kidnap plot, arrest two suspects in Gezawa
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