Headlines
Price gouging: PCACC shuts down Sahad Stores, summons Jifatu officials
Nazifi Dawud
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has closed down the Zoo Road branch of Sahad Stores and summoned officials of Jifatu Stores along Zaria Road in Kano city for allegedly charging excessive prices for basic commodities.
KANO FOCUS reports that the raid on the two super stores was conducted on Thursday by the PCACC team led by its chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado.
Mr Magaji, revealed that the super markets were found violating a government directive to desist from selling basic food items such as sugar, pasta, flour and macaroni above approved prices.
The PCACC had a few days ago reached an agreement with traders at the Singa Market not to hoard or sell any essential commodities beyond approved market prices.
“This was based on the discovery that a bag of Sugar that was sold for N16,000 immediately with the lockdown over COVID-19 and the Ramadan fasting skyrocket to N28,000,” Mr Magaji said in a statement.
“This led to the state governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje directing the commission to go after traders hoarding food items and in one swoop at two warehouses 79,645 cartons of Spaghetti was discovered, 19, 500 bags of Flour, 37,000 cartons of Macaroni, with 5,120 bags of Sugar while the same products were not available at the markets,” he added.
However, on Thursday, the chairman said his team had discovered that both Sahad and Jifatu stores had been violating the price directive by charging customers excessive prices on basic food items.
Mr Magaji said “the exercise was carried out based on the complaints of residents over alleged hike in prices of essential commodities that led the governor to order a crackdown on the offenders.”
He explained that some of the major super stores raided were Jifatu store on Zaria Road and Sahad Store on Zoo road.
“However, after the raiding, the Chief Operating Officer of Jifatu Super Stores was directed to be at the Commission on Friday over non-compliance as a bag of Sugar was sold for N25,000 and Sahad Store was closed,” he said.
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.
