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Category: North West

  • Hacking: Kano Hisbah board unravel breach

    Hacking: Kano Hisbah board unravel breach

    These are not fun times in Kano as Tech buffs work overtime to unravel those behind the hacking into the official Facebook page of Kano Hisbah Board, a religious and moral enforcement agency, to defile it by posting explicit and inappropriate content.
    Evidence of the breach became manifest late last week as visitors to the site were defiled by sordid, explicit images and videos of pornographic nature which sparked widespread condemnation from the public, who have expressed their dismay over the breach.
    The Commander General of the Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, confirmed the hacking incident to reporters on Friday.
    He reassured the public that the board is actively addressing the situation and is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
    Admitting what has been labeled as sacrilegious Sheikh Daurawa said, “Kano State Hisbah Board is aware that its Facebook page has been hacked and inappropriate things are being shared. On behalf of the board, I call on people to help solve this problem.”
    He further explained that the board’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department is currently working to restore the page.
    The board is also in communication with Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to resolve the issue and prevent further unauthorized posts.
    The Head of ICT at the Hisbah Board, Sani Zailani, added that the Facebook account had been targeted by hackers in the past.
    He noted that Meta has been contacted regarding the latest breach and has pledged to resolve the issue within 48 hours.
    Zailani expressed gratitude for the support and concern shown by the public during this challenging time. He emphasized that efforts are ongoing to recover the Facebook page and restore its intended use.
    In the meantime, Sheikh Daurawa urged the community to report the hacked page to Meta in English, to help mitigate the spread of inappropriate content and expedite the recovery process.
  • JUST IN: Kano gov orders closure of MDAs accounts

    JUST IN: Kano gov orders closure of MDAs accounts

    The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Wednesday directed the Accountant-General of the state to close all Ministry, Department, and Agency accounts with immediate effect.
    The governor gave the directive at the ongoing meeting with the Chairman of the Kano State Internal Revenue Service and heads of MDAs at the Government House.
    According to him, the decision was adopted to ensure that all government revenue is properly accounted for and utilised for the development of the state
  • Youths Protest Sokoto Emir’s killing

    Youths Protest Sokoto Emir’s killing

    As President Tinubu and the political elite reduce governance to the pursuit of personal fancies, life in Nigeria has become nasty, brutish and short.
    In Sokoto for instance, a large group of youths from Sabon Birni Gobir Local Government Area has protested against the abduction and brutal killing of Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District.
    The demonstration erupted following Bawa’s death, which occurred on Wednesday after he was kidnapped and violently killed by his captors.
    Footage obtained shows the protesters marching toward the residence of Sokoto’s deputy governor, Alhaji Idris Muhammad Gobir, setting tires and other objects ablaze along their route.
     Their protest reflects their demand for justice and greater action to address escalating violence in the region.
    The protest comes amid reports that Alhaji Bawa was buried without his body present due to the circumstances of his death.
    A video surfaced showing Bawa pleading for help before his death, which was confirmed after the terrorists’ demand for a ransom of N60 million and five motorcycles for his body.
    The kidnappers initially sought N1 billion for the release of Bawa and his son, who were abducted in July.
     The distressing video of Bawa, captured in captivity, shows his desperate pleas for assistance.
    In response, President Bola Tinubu has condemned the attack, calling it a grave and unforgivable act.
    He has extended condolences to Bawa’s family, the Gobir Emirate, and the Sokoto State government.

  • Kano Corruption Agency to Quiz Kwankwaso’s Nephew

    Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has secured a post no debit on account linked to the alleged local government contract scam in the state, blocking N160million while moving to recover N440million.

     

    This is as investigators of the commission are expected to continue the quizzing of some of the key figures in the investigation.

     

    It was also gathered that Musa Garba Kwankwaso, nephew of the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, will be quizzed by the investigators, on Thursday.

     

    He is expected to answer questions regarding the involvement of his company, Novomed Pharmaceuticals, in the alleged contract scam.

     

    The contract, said to have been awarded without due process, involves each local government paying about N9 million monthly, amounting to N396 million in total every month.

     

    The scandal came to the fore when Bello Galadanchi, a United States-born Nigerian filmmaker and content creator, alleged that the state government directed each of the 44 local government councils to pay about N10 million for the drug supply, with the contract awarded exclusively to Novomed Pharmaceuticals.

     

    According to Galadanchi, 25 local governments, including Tofa, Bebeji, Dambatta, Dawakin Tofa, Doguwa, Kumbotso, Tudun Wada, Gezawa, Ungogo, Warawa, Ajingi, Kabo, Kura, Madobi, Bichi, Gwarzo, Rogo, Garun Mallam, Takai, Shanono, Kiru, Makoda, Nasarawa, and Gabasawa, have already made payments for August to the company’s account.

     

    Critics had alleged lack of transparency in the dealings of the local governments’ interim management committees appointed by Governor Yusuf in March, after the tenures of the elected council chairmen expired.

     

    Governor Yusuf had, late last week, distanced himself from the contract by denying prior knowledge of the deal and ordering an immediate probe into the matter.

     

    In an exclusive interview with Daily Trust, the chairman of the PCACC, Muhuyi Magaji, said: “We’ve already issued invitations to about five or six individuals, including the permanent secretary of the Ministry for Local Governments, the Director of Planning, and the Director of Local Government Inspection”.

     

    He said the commission also summoned the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State, the state secretary of the association, as well as the chairman of the Local Governments Directors of Personnel Management Forum. Also invited is the public relations officer of the forum.

     

  • Kano governor appoints Army General (rtd) as commissioner

    Kano governor appoints Army General (rtd) as commissioner

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano has sworn in Maj Gen, Muhammad Inuwa Idris (rtd) as the commissioner for the newly created Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security in the state.
    The Governor announced the portfolio shortly after inaugurating the new boards of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Yusuf Maitama Sule University, and Kano State Polytechnic.
    Daily Trust reports that the ministry was created about five months ago but no commissioner was assigned until now.
    The governor charged the new appointees to be skillful and efficient while taking bold steps in providing governance and leadership that will stimulate rapid growth.
    The new ministry is expected to address the internal security challenges Kano faces and also ensure the local governments align with the Yusuf-led government in creating an atmosphere of peace and prosperity.
  • Ganduje Reacts As Kano Gov’t Speaks on Allegations Over Missing Corruption File

    Ganduje Reacts As Kano Gov’t Speaks on Allegations Over Missing Corruption File

    Former Kano State Governor, and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has fired back at the Kano State government over allegations that he masterminded the disappearance of a corruption file from a courthouse.
    Ganduje denied the allegations, accusing the state government of orchestrating the violence that led to the file’s disappearance.
    In a statement, Ganduje’s Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, claimed that the state government was responsible for the violence and the missing file.
    Olofu stated that the allegations against Ganduje were baseless and comical and that the state government was trying to divert attention from their own culpability.
    Not done, former Governor Ganduje called for a federal investigation into the matter, demanding that those responsible for the violence and the missing file be brought to justice.
  • #EndBadGovernance: Why We Waved Russian Flags

    #EndBadGovernance: Why We Waved Russian Flags

    Protesters in Kano who waved Russian flags during the  #EndBadGovernance protests say they took the action to challenge the Nigerian government.
    When a journalist immersed himself among the demonstrators in Kano City’s Kurna neighborhood to request one of the flags, he was directed to a man recognized as an Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) member.
    For security reasons, the journalist—who wished to remain anonymous—observed that the Shi’ite group started waving Russian flags, which other protestors later picked up on.

    But another demonstrator, identifying himself as Haruna, claimed to be unaffiliated with IMN when speaking with PREMIUM TIMES.

    He said someone brought the flags to the protest to challenge the Nigerian government.
    “I don’t know him, but what is the Nigerian government doing to us? The government must listen to our concerns; they must bring back the fuel subsidy. The only flag that I cannot raise is that of Israel,” Mr Haruna said.
    Kano is predominantly Muslim, with a large Sunni population, where anti-Israeli sentiments are common.
    IMN member Isah Bawa, from Fagge local council, confirmed the participation of Shi’ite members in the protests and the use of Russian flags but stated there was no directive from their leaders to do so.
    “Shite members took part in the protest like other Nigerians who are hungry but there is no formal instruction from our leaders for members to wave the Russian flag,” Mr Bawa said.
    A tea vendor, Abdullahi Maishayi, was detained by the State Security Service (SSS) on Sunday for displaying a Russian flag at his tea shop in Fagge. He was later released after denying knowledge of who placed the flag there.
    “It’s a tea joint, we host all categories of people. I don’t know whether the person who hoisted the flag at the joint is a Shiite because I was not around when the flag was hoisted,” said Maishayi, who is not a member of IMN.
    The display of Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano was first noticed on Sunday and Monday in certain areas of the city.
    On Monday, hundreds of protesters on IBB Way in Kano took advantage of a relaxed curfew to continue their demonstrations while waving Russian flags.
    Several protest groups adopted the Russian flags, asserting they had no political agenda behind their actions.
    The Russian embassy in Nigeria stated that the Russian government was not involved with its national flags being used in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
    In a statement on Monday, the embassy clarified that neither the Russian government nor its officials were associated with the flag-waving.
    The Nigerian government condemned the use of Russian flags and calls for a military takeover by some protesters, labeling such actions as treason.
  • Hunger Protests: Don’t be agents of destruction – Emir Sanusi

    Hunger Protests: Don’t be agents of destruction – Emir Sanusi

    The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has appealed to the people of Kano and beyond to refrain from being used as agents of destruction, as protests resumed in the city despite a curfew.
    The emir made the appeal at a press conference held at his Gidan Rumfa palace on Friday evening.
    He expressed concern over the looting and vandalism of public and private properties that occurred during the protests.
    He described the events as a setback to the state, the northern region, and the country at large.

    Other Stories: hunger-protest-d-day-in-nigeria/

    The Emir’s plea came as protesters regrouped in Tudun Wada, Nassarawa Local Government Area, after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf relaxed the curfew to allow for Jumaat prayers.

  • #EndBadGovernance: Please Protect Our Lives And Properties – APC Begs Security Operatives

    APC Begs Security Operatives As Protesters Target Matawalle’s Residence

    The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the attempt by some protesters to attack the residence of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in Gusau, Zamfara State.
    The party shared its concerns on Thursday via a statement by its Zamfara Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris.
    Idris said the party was disturbed by the nationwide supposed peaceful protests in the state.
    He claimed that many thugs were deployed to attack the personalities and properties of the APC members.
    Idris subsequently urged the security operatives to protect their lives and properties.
    “We observed that many thugs were strategically deployed to attack and destroy personalities and properties of the APC members.
    “It is very unfortunate that on the first day of the protests, the protesters attempted to attack the former Governor BelloMatawalle’s personal residence,” he claimed.
    Idris recalled that Matawalle’s residence was burgled in 2023 by some thugs, adding that security operatives should not allow such an ugly act to recur.
    “Luckily, the quick intervention of the security personnel who blocked the protesters from destroying the minister’s house saved the situation
    “We commend the security agencies in the state for being proactive.
    “Those political thugs, most likely implementing the directives of their leaders, would have razed down the minister’s house and property,” he explained.
    Idris claimed that the thugs also attacked the residence of Senator Sahabi Yau at his hometown of Kaura Namoda, where they destroyed many valuables and damaged his Toyota Hilux van in the name of peaceful protests.
    “We have earlier forecast the possible hijacking of the protests by the hoodlums and other miscreants in the state, which they actualised.
    “We wish to implore security agencies in the state to give our members and all well-meaning citizens the desired protection of lives and property.
    “We are calling on youths not to allow themselves to be used by bad politicians, especially as the nationwide protest is supposed to be peaceful and address concerns in the country.
    “The protest, which is a constitutional right of Nigerians, should be peaceful and without any threat to life and property,” the APC scribe added.
  • Kano announce date for LG polls 

    Kano announce date for LG polls 

    The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has scheduled November 30, 2024, for the local government elections in the state.
    The Chairman of the Commission, Sani Malumfashi, announced the date while addressing a news conference in Kano on Wednesday.
    He said the notification of the election will be issued on November 15.
    Nomination forms will be available from October 1 to October 11, with submission of the forms due by October 18, 2024.
    He noted that the screening of candidates will take place from October 18 to October 20, while the list of eligible candidates will be released on October 24. The elections will follow thereafter.
    “We plan to release the results of the winners by December 10, 2024. This announcement is made under Section 103, Subsections 3 and 1 of the Electoral Act and the powers conferred on the Commission under Paragraph 3(4) of Part II, Third Schedule, Section 3(1) of the Kano Local Government Law 2004,” Malumfashi said.
    He said that the elections are being conducted following a Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments, and the conduct will be in accordance with the law.
    Malumfashi also announced that candidates are barred from placing their posters on places of worship, schools, and government buildings. Anyone violating these rules will be punished.
    He said the Commission expects all the 19 political parties to participate in the election.
    According to him, the Commission will work closely with security agencies to ensure a peaceful election.
    “Kano, with 44 local governments and over 7 million voters, presents significant security challenges, particularly in light of current economic difficulties,” he said.
    He explained that the Commission will recruit about 13,000 ad-hoc staff to man the 11,000 polling units.