Headlines
Blasphemy: Ganduje meets clerics, pledges to sign death sentence
Nasiru Yusuf
Kano state governor Abdullahi Ganduje has promised to sign the execution warrant for the death sentence passed on Yahaya Aminu Sharif for blasphemy.
Kano Focus reports that Mr Ganduje gave the pledge on Thursday during a meeting with clerics, lawyers, and security agencies held at Africa House, Government House, Kano.
“I will not waste time in signing the warrant for the execution of the man who blasphemed our Holy Prophet of Islam.
“What happened is so important to the state and to the security of the state and the nation in general.
Blasphemy: Kano censors board gives Islamic singers September deadline
Blasphemy: Yahya Aminu Sharif yet to get lawyer
Blasphemy: Kano court sentences singer to death
“What the Court did is absolutely right and we support it completely.
“Such kind of irresponsible act, if not because of the state power, nobody could know what would happen in the future,” Mr Ganduje said.
The governor noted that the blasphemy committed by the man is not related to any Islamic sect but an individual decision to “derail”.
He also commended how the court handled the case and commended all sections of the society for not fomenting trouble during the trial.
“Lawyers just told us that the case could go up to Supreme Court.
“So if that happens, I will not waste time in approving the verdict right away.
“And the second issue is, if the victim did not take up the case to appellate courts, I will not waste time to give the approval for the execution.
“I will not take more than few minutes to accept the verdict,” Mr Ganduje said.
Islamic Clerics, lawyers, security endorsed the verdict
The chairman Kano Council of Imams Nasir Adam and other Islamic scholars gave reasons why the judgment should be executed.
Ahmad Murtala of Bayero University Kano said executing the judgment would strengthen Shari’ah courts and respect Kano people and their religious rights.
In his remarks, chairman Kano state branch of Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) Sani Garba said the association supports the governor’s decision to sign the death warrant.
“Even if the case goes to the Supreme Court, nothing could change.” He said.
Also the chairman of NBA Kano branch Aminu Gadanya, said the association has accepted the court’s verdict.
The meeting was also attended by the Commissioner of Police, Director State Security Service (DSS), representatives of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Eze Igbo of Kano Boniface Ibekwe.
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.
