2025

A report by the State Security Service (SSS) has accused Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Ibrahim Namadi, of collecting a $30,000 bribe from a notorious drug kingpin, Sulaiman Danwawu, in exchange for standing as his surety in court, according to Daily Nigerian. The SSS investigation alleges that Namadi received the cash before agreeing to stand as surety for Danwawu, a man long monitored by law enforcement for drug-related offenses. A security source revealed that a formal recommendation has already been sent to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, urging Namadi’s dismissal for what was described as a “betrayal of public trust.” Namadi, previously tried for fraud in 2013, was appointed Commissioner under the influence of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. A senior government official described the situation as “a major embarrassment,” adding, “This is a government that invested resources to track and arrest Danwawu, yet a serving commissioner steps in to shield him. It’s unacceptable.” Read Also: Kano Commissioner in Crisis as Alleged Drug Dealer Danwawu Jumps Bail Following widespread public criticism, Governor Yusuf set up an investigative committee to look into the matter and submit its findings within a week. Though initial moves were made to sack the commissioner, sources say the governor slowed down after conferring with Kwankwaso, Namadi’s political sponsor. “The governor is in a tight spot,” said one insider. “Namadi’s past is well known, but taking action against him could trigger political tensions within the NNPP.” In addition to the bribery allegation, Namadi is also entangled in a separate feud with the state chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Kabiru Labour, over alleged monthly kickbacks of N500,000. He is further accused of sidelining the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Abdulmumin Babani, leaving over 30 official memos pending approval on the governor’s desk. “There are memos awaiting action, some flagged ‘see me,’ others marked ‘keep in view’, but no decisive movement,” a ministry source noted. One example cited was a proposal for solar-powered tricycles taken directly to the State Executive Council without any input from the transport ministry. When contacted, Commissioner Namadi denied all allegations, stating, “I’m not aware of any of these stories. They’re not true.” Shortly after the interview, Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, contacted the reporter, accusing him of “harassing” Namadi. “What kind of journalism is this? Why won’t you let the matter rest?” Waiya reportedly asked. The controversy stems from a Federal High Court ruling on July 24, which granted bail to Danwawu under the condition that a serving state commissioner stands as surety and that N5 million be deposited with the court. Namadi had earlier submitted a sworn affidavit and an official application to the court dated July 18, 2025, stating: “I humbly wish to apply to stand as surety for the Defendant in the above suit (SULAIMAN AMINU), who was granted bail by this Honourable Court in the sum of Three Million Naira only (N3,000,000.00) and one surety in the like sum. Also, the Defendant shall deposit N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) only which shall be placed in an interest-yielding account.” This document has been included in the SSS investigative report and is expected to play a pivotal role in the outcome of the government panel’s findings.

The Sarkin Hausawan Arewa and Peace Ambassador, Alhaji Balarabe Tatari, has sent a heartfelt condolence message following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, renowned business mogul Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, as well as Malam ‘Yan Kaba and Liman Malam Mansur. Ambassador Tatari, who also serves as the Chairman of the Kantin Kwari Chamber and the Chairman of the Kantin Kwari Market Complex, described the deaths of these prominent figures as a great loss not only to Kano State but to Northern Nigeria and the African continent at large. According to him, Muhammadu Buhari was a man of integrity and commitment, whose honesty and uprightness earned him global recognition and trust. Read Also: Tinubu Urges Governors to Prioritize Rural Electrification, Agriculture and Infrastructure “Many communities have attested to his good deeds and patriotic spirit,” he said. On the passing of Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Ambassador Tatari remarked that the world will never forget his immense contributions to philanthropy and community welfare. “I visited him after I became Sarkin Hausawa and briefed him on the challenges traders were facing. He directed us to seek land from the government so he could build a market for us free of charge. We did our best, even made public announcements on radio, but unfortunately, Allah did not will its completion.” He described Alhaji Dantata as a wealthy man with a deep desire to uplift society, adding that some of his unfulfilled plans remain a source of sorrow. “May Allah forgive him, grant him mercy, and admit him into Aljannatul Firdaus,” he prayed. The ambassador also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, particularly the families of Alhaji Aminu Dantata, former President Muhammadu Buhari, Malam ‘Yan Kaba, and Liman Malam Mansur, as well as to the people and government of Kano State. He offered prayers for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness upon the departed souls, and for their admission into the highest ranks of paradise.

The former Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has officially bowed out of office, describing his departure as “an honourable exit” after years of service. In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Muhuyi expressed deep appreciation to Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for reinstating him in accordance with a court ruling. “First, to His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf (Abba Gida-Gida), thank you for the opportunity to serve. Your decision to uphold the court’s judgment and reinstate me wasn’t just about the law, it was about doing what’s right,” he wrote. “I’ll always be grateful for the trust and confidence you reposed in me throughout my service under your administration.” Read Also: PCACC Gets New Leadership as Governor Yusuf Reaffirms Anti-Corruption Agenda Addressing the people of Kano State, the outgoing anti-corruption chief said, “To the good people of Kano State, thank you for your support, your prayers, and your belief in what we were doing. Serving you has been one of the greatest honours of my career.” Muhuyi also paid tribute to the staff of the Commission for their resilience and dedication. “You stood strong through every challenge, and I’m proud of what we achieved together,” he noted. He acknowledged the valuable contributions of civil society organisations, legal practitioners, and journalists to the Commission’s mission, saying their input helped shape its integrity and impact. Reflecting on his tenure, Muhuyi described the journey as one marked by trials and accomplishments. “This is, without doubt, a journey filled with challenges, but also with purpose and progress. I can firmly say this is an honourable exit and the best I could have hoped for. I leave fulfilled, knowing we gave our best,” he stated. He reiterated his hope for the continued growth and effectiveness of the Commission, calling for sustained commitment to the values of justice and integrity. “May the Commission keep growing stronger. And may justice, fairness, and integrity continue to guide us all,” he added.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has forwarded the name of Saidu Yahya to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC). The nomination was conveyed in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. Yahya, a seasoned anti-corruption expert and accomplished public servant, is expected to bring renewed focus and operational efficiency to the Commission. Born in 1978, the 47-year-old holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation. Read Also: FG to Establish Cattle Breeding Centres Across Six Geopolitical Zones He has over 18 years of experience in combating corruption, serving in various strategic capacities at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Until his nomination, he was the Team Leader of the General Investigations and Constituency/Executive Projects Tracking Division and a member of the ICPC Directorate of Operations Task Force. Yahya is well-versed in investigating bribery, corruption, money laundering, illicit financial flows, criminal diversion of public funds, sabotage, project tracking, and asset recovery. He is also a certified trainer in investigative techniques and project monitoring, with extensive training from top national institutions, including the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Defense Intelligence College, and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria. Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that Yahya’s practical experience and technical skills will strengthen the fight against corruption and improve the Commission’s operational effectiveness in promoting public accountability in the state. In a related development, the Governor also announced the appointment of Barrister Hafsat Adda’u Kutama as the new Secretary and Legal Adviser to the Commission, with immediate effect. The Head of Service has been directed to redeploy the outgoing Secretary and Legal Adviser, Barr. Zaharadden Hamisu Kofar Mata, back to the Ministry of Justice for reassignment. Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing PCACC Chairman, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, praising his courage, tenacity, and dedicated service to the state. He commended Muhuyi’s commitment to public accountability and good governance and wished him success in future endeavours. “The Government of Kano State remains open and willing to work with Barrister Muhuyi in the future, whenever the opportunity arises,” the Governor stated. The nomination and appointments, according to the statement, reaffirm the current administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the sustained fight against corruption in Kano State.