Author name: Umar Idris Shuaibu

Senator representing Kano Central, Rufai Sani Hanga, has been dragged before an Upper Sharia Court over an alleged unpaid sum of N124,800,070 owed to political associates. The civil suit, filed by Isa Ado Medoya and other members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), claims the amount was incurred during the senator’s electioneering campaign for services rendered. When the case came up for hearing before Sharia Judge Muhammad Sani, counsel to the plaintiffs, Abbas Mandawari, outlined the basis of the claim, stating that the funds represent payment for agreed campaign assignments executed by his clients. Mandawari presented documents and samples to demonstrate the nature of the work carried out, adding that further consultations were required to properly organise additional materials. He subsequently requested more time for verification. Read Also: Meet DIGs Likely to Retire Following Disu’s Emergence as Acting IGP Counsel to the defendant opposed the application, arguing that the plaintiffs were unprepared to proceed with substantive arguments and urging the court to dismiss the suit on grounds of lack of diligent prosecution. However, the court declined the request for dismissal, ruling that the plaintiffs be granted additional time to consolidate their filings. The judge emphasised the need to allow both parties adequate opportunity to fully present their cases. The matter was adjourned to April 21, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings, with the plaintiffs expected to submit complete documentation, after which the defence will respond formally. Meanwhile, the case unfolds amid ongoing political realignments in Kano State. Senator Hanga, the only NNPP senator in the National Assembly and Deputy Minority Whip, has remained aligned with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso despite recent defections within the party. The senator has reportedly described recent political shifts, including the defection of Abba Kabir Yusuf, as a betrayal, reiterating his commitment to remain within his political bloc. (People’s Pen)

By Olufunmi Alhaji Kabiru Yusuf-Nadabo, a retired Assistant Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has raised concerns over the recklessness of commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as Keke Napep, along major highways in Kano State. Yusuf-Nadabo, said he observed that tricycle operators have extended their operations beyond the city centre to major highways, contrary to established traffic regulations. Speaking in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kano, the retired corps marshal, recalled that the state government had in 2013 ban commercial motorcycles and introduced tricycles as an alternative means of transportation. “Stakeholders reached a gentleman’s agreement restricting tricycle operations within designated urban routes. On no account, therefore, were tricycles expected to ply major highways like other vehicles,”he said. Read Also: IGP Egbetokun Bows Out After Presidential Order Emir Aminu Ado Bayero To Lead National Ramadan Feeding Committee Kano Journalist Weighs Legal Action Over Alleged Insult by Govt Aide Yusuf-Nadabo urged security agencies like, FRSC, Police Force, and Kano Road Traffic Agency to collaborate to curb growing menace. He recalled that safety, security and safety go hand in hand, but much attention is being given to security, while safety is often neglected, forgetting that safety must come first. The ex-frsc boss urged Kano state government to urgently convene a stakeholders’ forum to reassess and enforce operational limits for tricycle operators in order to safeguard lives and property. He said, “Kano is unique in having eight major highways directly linking the city centre to other parts of the country, with operational limits for each route. “Tricycles operating on highway mm poses serious traffic and safety risks. The same situation is observed on Wudil road, where tricyclist now go beyond Wudil to Gaya. “To address traffic challenges, there is need for meetings of traditional rulers, police, civil defence, transport unions, media, among others to review traffic situations and collectively took decisions,” he said. He raised alarm that the crash statistics which involve tricycles on highways is alarming and thereby called for urgent intervention.

A controversy surrounding an alleged altercation between a Kano State government aide and a journalist during the Argungu Motor Rally has taken a new turn, with the journalist indicating that legal action may follow if no formal apology or communication is issued. The incident reportedly occurred at the Race Course in Kano metropolis during the Argungu Motor Rally, an event held as part of activities marking the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival. The government official involved, Auwal Sani Rogo, a Senior Special Reporter with the Kano State Government, was alleged to have engaged in a verbal exchange with Abdulbaki Ali Ahmed Sharifai, who was covering the event in his professional capacity. Read Also: Emir Aminu Ado Bayero To Lead National Ramadan Feeding Committee Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred shortly after Sharifai and other journalists conducted an interview at the venue. The altercation reportedly took place in the presence of senior officials, including Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs; Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji Rano, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; and Alhaji Abba El-Mustapha, Chairman of the Kano State Censorship Board. Following the incident, Sharifai proceeded to the Divisional Police Office in Bompai, headquarters of the Kano State Police Command, where he lodged a formal complaint over alleged insult, harassment, and intimidation while carrying out his lawful duties. However, the government aide was said to have declined a police invitation, allegedly remaining within the Kano State Government House. In an effort to resolve the issue amicably, Commissioner Waiya reportedly invited the journalist for dialogue and assured him of intervention, including facilitating an apology from Rogo. As of the time of filing this report, no official apology or formal communication has been issued by Rogo, the Kano State Government, or the Office of Special Advisers to the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf. Sources close to Sharifai indicated that legal action remains a possible option if the matter is not formally addressed. Sharifai maintains that he was performing his lawful professional duties at the time of the alleged incident and deserves institutional response and redress. The development has generated conversations within media circles regarding respect for journalists and professionalism at public events. As of press time, neither Rogo nor the Kano State Government has released an official public statement on the matter.