My Blog

Category: North West

  • Veteran Kannywood actress Saratu Daso dies while fasting

    Veteran Kannywood actress Saratu Daso dies while fasting

    A veteran Kannywood actress Saratu Gidado, popularly known as Daso, is dead.

    A local radio station in Kano State announced that the popular actress died in her sleep.

    Her family members explained that the actress failed to wake up on Tuesday morning after the midnight meal before the commencement of the day’s Ramadan fast, Sahur.

    Daso, until her death, was a prominent figure in the Hausa film industry for over 18 years.

    Her remarkable performances and versatile roles endeared her to audiences across the Northern region.

    Before she took up the illustrious acting career, Saratu was a dedicated school teacher.

    The announcement of her passing has left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a beloved talent.

    As preparations were underway for her funeral, scheduled for 4:00 pm, tributes have continued to pour in from all corners of the entertainment world.

  • Unrest In Kaduna As Police Clash With Shiites Protesters

    Unrest In Kaduna As Police Clash With Shiites Protesters

    In Kaduna State’s capital, Kaduna, tensions flared as police clashed with Shiite protesters, leading to a state of pandemonium and unrest. 

    The confrontation unfolded as members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) gathered for a procession near the Katsina roundabout along Ahmadu Bello Way. 

    Despite the Federal Government’s ban on the group’s activities, the protesters persisted, prompting a response from law enforcement. 

    Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos as police attempted to disperse the gathering, resulting in a frantic scramble among residents and shop owners to seek safety. 

    According to Kaduna State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, the IMN members allegedly brandished dangerous weapons and attacked both civilians and police officers. 

    Several individuals sustained injuries in the skirmish. 

    The police have since made arrests of suspects allegedly in possession of weapons and have vowed to prosecute them following investigations. 

  • Fraud, Bribery Allegation: Kano government sues Ganduje, wife, others

    Fraud, Bribery Allegation: Kano government sues Ganduje, wife, others

    The Kano State government has dragged the former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife, and others to court for allegedly collecting $200,000 from a contractor.

    The eight-count charges, according to the government, are offences contravening the state Public Complaints and Anti-Commission Commission Law 2008.

    The state government also accused Ganduje of collecting $210,000 kickback from “people and entities seeking or holding the execution of Kano State Government contract and or projects for the remodelling of Kantin Kwari textile market as a bribe through one of the contractors (agent)”.

    Other defendants in the case are Ganduje, Hafsat Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lesaga General Enterprises.

    “That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje sometime between the period of September 2020 and March 2021 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, together with one Hafsat Umar (your spouse) and Abubakar Bawuro, a Businessman, Safari Textile Ltd, a limited liability company, wholly owned and maintained by the 3rd Defendant, agreed to do an illegal act to wit: dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N1,376,000,000.00 (One Billion Three Hundred and seventy-six million Naira) through account No. 7085982019 belonging to the 3rd Defendant being monies earmarked and approved for the purchase and supply of face masks and other hospital equipment for the health sector, thereby causing wrongful loss to the people and government of Kano State and thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of The penal code (as amended) CAP, 105, Vol.2. The Laws of Kano State of Nigeria, 1991,” part of the charge sheet reads

    “That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, sometime between the period of September 2020 and January 2022 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, together with one Hafsat Umar (your spouse) and Abubakar Bawuro, a Businessman, Safari Textile Ltd, a limited liability company, while entrusted with the sum of N1,376,000,000.00 (One Billion Three Hundred and seventy-six million Naira) or dominion over the said sum, earmarked for the purchase and supply of face masks and other hospital equipment dishonestly misappropriated and/or converted the said sum to your own use through account No. 7085982019 belonging to the 3rd defendant, thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and punishable under section 312 of The penal code (as amended) CAP, 105, Vol.2.

    “That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje sometime between the period of March of 2021 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor and being a public servant in the government of Kano State for your own benefit and that of your immediate family conspired with the 4th defendant (Umar Abdullahi Umar) being your biological son using 6th defendant (Lamash Properties Ltd) a company owned and or operated by members of your family including the 4th defendant and dishonestly allocated 501 (five hundred and one) high-density plots of lands you hold in trust for the benefit of all Nigerians at Zawachiki layout No. TP/KNUPD/256B in the name of the 6th defendant company under the pretext of site and services arrangement in the land compulsorily acquired by you being the Governor of Kano State from destitute members of the public (peasant farmers) where it was sold and the proceed part of which the sum of #700,000,000.00 (Seven Hundred Million Naira) was deposited in the account of Bureau de change operator vision Steel link Ltd No. Domicile at Access Bank where dollar equivalent was given to the 4th defendant to the detriment of the people and government of Kano State thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of The penal code (as amended) CAP,105, Vol.2. The Laws of Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.

    “That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje sometime between the period of March of 2021 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor and being a public servant in the government of Kano State for your own benefit and that of your immediate family conspired with the 4th defendant Umar Abdullahi Umar, being your biological son using 6th defendant Lamash Properties Ltd a company substantially owned and or operated by members of your family including the 4th defendant and dishonestly allocated 501 (five hundred and one) high-density plots of lands you hold in trust for the benefit all Nigerians at Zawachiki layout No. TP/KNUPDA/256B in the name of the 6th defendant company under the pretext of site and services arrangement in the land compulsory acquired by you as a governor of Kano state from destitute members of the public (peasant farmers) which was sold and the proceeds, the sum of #700,000,000.00 (Seven Hundred Million Naira) was deposited in the account of Bureau de change operator vision Steel link Ltd No. 7816362026 Domicile at FCMB where dollar equivalent was given to the 4th defendant thereby causing wrongful gain to yourself and causing wrongful loss to the people and government of Kano State thereby jointly committed the offence Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and read together with section 79 and punishable under section 312 of The Penal Code (as amended), CAP. 105, Vol. 2. The Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.”

    The state government said a forensic expert would analyse the video, showing the former governor receiving dollar notes from a contractor.

    Ganduje, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), served as governor of Kano from 2015 to 2023.

    In 2018, Daily Nigerian, an online newspaper, published a video of Ganduje allegedly receiving bundles of dollars from contractors, which he stuffed into his “babanriga”, a traditional outfit

    The newspaper said the former governor requested $5 million as a bribe from the contractors who recorded the video.

    In 2023, the Kano state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) invited Ganduje for questioning over the incident in the video.

    The former governor did not honour the invitation and instead instituted a suit against the agency.

    In March, a federal high court in Kano stopped the agency from inviting or questioning Ganduje over the bribery allegations.

    The court ruled that the agency lacks the power to invite or investigate Ganduje over the allegations.

    Abdullahi Liman, the presiding judge, said the alleged infraction is a federal offence that can not be prosecuted by the state anti-graft agency.

  • Why I Didn’t Shake Kano Governor’s Hands – Ahmed Musa

    Why I Didn’t Shake Kano Governor’s Hands – Ahmed Musa

    Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has said he refused to shake the hands of Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, in a recent video, out of respect for him and his office.

    Musa said this in a statement via his Instagram page on Tuesday amid a social media storm surrounding a viral video showing his refusal to shake the Kano governor.

    In the video, the footballer was seen shaking hands with the Kano State deputy governor while bowing to the governor and seemingly ignoring his handshake.

    In the statement, Musa described his action as a sign of cultural respect while calling for a shift in attention towards the pressing issues facing the nation.

    The Super Eagles captain asserted that the significance behind his gestures emphasised the deep-rooted traditions of the Northern culture.

    He, however, expressed disappointment that the incident has garnered such widespread attention, even from national media outlets, diverting focus from more pressing matters facing the country.

    Musa urged Nigerians to redirect their energy towards finding solutions to the nation’s problems rather than getting caught up in needless distractions.

    He said: “It has come to my attention that a moment captured almost a month ago, has unexpectedly become the centre of attention on social media. It is disheartening to see a simple act of cultural respect blown out of proportion.

    “In our Northern culture, the gesture of kneeling, shaking hands, etc. signifies the highest form of respect. This was my intention when I greeted the deputy governor in such a manner.

    “However, when it came to greeting the governor, I chose to bow and not shake his hands, honouring him in a way that is deeply rooted in tradition.

    “It’s unfortunate that amidst all the pressing issues our nation faces – economic hardships, security challenges, religious clashes, and more – this seemingly insignificant moment has garnered so much attention.

    “What’s even more disheartening are the comments questioning my respectfulness, especially from those who don’t know me personally.

    “Let’s pause for a moment and reflect on where we choose to direct our energy. Shouldn’t it be towards finding solutions to the problems plaguing our society rather than getting caught up in needless distractions?

    “I urge us all to channel our collective efforts towards addressing the real issues at hand. Let’s focus on uplifting one another, fostering unity, and working towards a better future for all.”

  • 30 Children Reportedly Kidnapped by Bandits in Katsina

    30 Children Reportedly Kidnapped by Bandits in Katsina

    In a distressing development, it has been reported that approximately thirty children have been abducted by suspected bandits at Kasai village in the Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    Batsari, a Security Frontline Local Government Area in Katsina, has witnessed a surge in banditry and criminal activities, posing grave threats to residents.

    As of now, governmental authorities and security agencies have not issued any official statements regarding the incident.

    A resident, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed that the abduction occurred during the early hours of Monday.

    Efforts to obtain comments from the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, have been unsuccessful thus far.

    The situation is rapidly evolving, and further details are expected to emerge soon.

  • Bandits Attack Zamfara Mosque During Prayers, Kidnap Worshippers

    Bandits Attack Zamfara Mosque During Prayers, Kidnap Worshippers

    Bandits on Monday night, struck at a mosque in Gusau, Zamfara State capital, abducting numerous worshippers during the Tahajjud congregational prayer.

    Tahajjud prayer is a vigil normally held in the last 10 days of Ramadan preceeding Eid-el-Ftr.

    According to a source, Mannir, the attackers stormed the mosque during the night prayer and kidnapped the worshippers

    Mannir, however, expressed uncertainty about the exact number of persons taken as captives.

    “While the number of abducted individuals remains unconfirmed, authorities are actively pursuing the assailants,” Mannir added.

    As at the time of this report, no ransom demand has been made, and no group has claimed responsibility for the audacious attack, adding to the prevailing sense of insecurity in the North-West.

  • Why I Appointed Kwankwaso’s Son As Commissioner – Gov Yusuf Explains

    Why I Appointed Kwankwaso’s Son As Commissioner – Gov Yusuf Explains

    Kano state Governor, Abba Yusuf, has explained the rationale behind the appointment of Mustapha Kwankwaso, son of former Governor of Kano state and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as a member of his cabinet.

    Yusuf appointed Kwankwaso’s son, alongside three others for commissioner position in the state.

    The Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Falgore, confirmed the receipt of the executive list during a plenary session on Tuesday.

    He announced that the screening of the commissioner nominees will commence early next week, marking the next step in formalizing their appointments.

    Reacting to the outburst that greeted the development, Yusuf, in a statement titled “In Defence of Mustapha Kwankwaso’s appointment.” issued through the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Kano Government House, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said Kwankwaso has promoted many young people including men and women.

    The Governor clarified that Mustapha’s appointment was not payback, but he is among the capable youth who worked tirelessly for the success of the present administration in Kano.

    The Statement reads: “Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has promoted hundreds of thousands of young men and women, many of them sons and daughters of common men and women.

    “He promoted children of nobody to become somebody in the eyes of world today and he also created platforms and political spaces for many of us from humble backgrounds to occupy various elective and appointment positions at Local, State and Federal Government levels.

    “One of Sen. Kwankwaso’s beneficiaries, The Executive Governor of Kano decided to promote the son of his benefactor, not really as a pay but because Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso is among the capable youth who worked tirelessly to the success of the present administration in Kano.

    “The Governor empowers youths and allow them to explore their potentials. Certainly, Mustapha cannot be an exception due to his paternal history, that shouldn’t be a barrier to his political career as he has decided to be a politician, like his father.”

  • Kaduna Governor, Sani Speaks On Gumi’s Involvement in School children’s Release

    Kaduna Governor, Sani Speaks On Gumi’s Involvement in School children’s Release

    The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, on Sunday, revealed that Muslim cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, was not involved in the release of abducted Kuriga pupils.
    Sani revealed this days after Gumi offered to negotiate with bandits for the release of the pupils.

    The governor while speaking on Channels TV, said all the 137 schoolchildren abducted on March 7, 2024 from the Chikun Local Government Area of the state by bandits have been rescued by the military.

    According to Sani, the rescue mission was carried out by the military in collaboration with local authorities from neighbouring Zamfara State, where the hostages were moved by their kidnappers.

    The governor described as speculations, talks in some quarters that ransom was paid, stressing that Gumi was not involved in the rescue of the pupils.

    Sani said, “All those speculations you are hearing today are figment of some people’s imagination. I can tell you that without any fear of contradiction. There was nothing like Gumi in this operation. I can tell you. I won’t undermine the efforts of our Armed Forces.”

  • Terrorists Abduct 87 Persons In Kaduna

    Terrorists Abduct 87 Persons In Kaduna

    Suspected terrorists have abducted about 87 people in a fresh attack on the Kajuru-Station community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The latest attack was confirmed by a member of the Kajuru-Station Youths, Harisu Dari, on Monday.

    Harisu, said the terrorists stormed the village around 10 pm, breaking into some shops and stealing food items and other valuables.

    He explained that no contact has been established yet with the 87 locals abducted on Sunday night.

    “As of the time I visited the community this morning, security operatives have not been drafted to help restore the confidence of the villagers.

    “The villagers are traumatized by the sad development. The government needs to re-strategise in tackling these terrorists,” he said.

    The attack came barely two days after 15 women and a man were abducted in the Dogon-Noma community of the same local government.

    Kajuru and Chikun LGs had in the past two weeks become the hotbed of kidnapping, causing tension in the state.

    Recall that the terrorists had in two weeks kidnapped over 172 villagers in the area.

    However, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan is yet to respond as of the time of filing this report.

  • Terrorists Launch Fresh Attack On Kaduna Community

    Terrorists Launch Fresh Attack On Kaduna Community

    Terrorists, on Saturday, launched a fresh attack on the Dogon-noma community in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The attack is coming barely three days after one person was killed, and eight women were kidnapped in the Banono Angwaku community of the same local government.

    A former chairman of the local government, Cafra Caino, confirmed the fresh attack to our correspondent on Saturday.

    According to him, the attackers invaded the village around 5.45am on Saturday in large numbers, shooting indiscriminately.

    Caino said, “We are yet to get the number of casualties because the locals ran for their lives at the time the assailants invaded the community.

    “The community had, some time in 2019, come under heavy attack where 74 people were killed and the community recently has been experiencing attacks.”