Author name: Umar Idris Shuaibu

The Kano State Police Command has issued a traffic advisory following the collapse of the Yaryasa Bridge in Tudun Wada Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred after heavy rainfall, has cut off a major route linking Kano with Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and several states in the eastern part of the country. In a statement on Saturday, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the Command had immediately deployed measures to secure the area and safeguard road users. He explained that barricades, warning signs, and alternative routes had been provided to redirect traffic, while officers of the Motor Traffic Division (MTD), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano Road and Traffic Agency (KAROTA), and members of the Transport Union were on ground to manage the situation. Read Also: 201 Kano CSOs Disown Protest, Distance Themselves from Politically Motivated Group “The area around the collapsed bridge has been cordoned off to prevent vehicles from approaching the danger zone,” the statement read. Motorists heading towards Tudun Wada and beyond were urged to comply with traffic officers and follow designated detours. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, called on residents to remain patient and prioritize safety, assuring that the Command was working with relevant agencies to minimize disruptions. He added that further updates on the situation would be communicated to the public in due course.

The attention of 201 members of the Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (PCCSOs) in Kano State has been drawn to a publication titled “Protest and Solidarity Walk by Kano Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption” dated 4th September 2025, allegedly issued and signed by five CSOs under the self-styled name Forum of Kano CSOs Against Corruption. While civil society has the duty to promote transparency and accountability, it is equally bound by the principles of fairness, objectivity, and truth. We therefore wish to clarify as follows: The so-called “Forum of Kano CSOs Against Corruption” is not a recognized coalition within the Kano CSO family. Their protest does not represent the collective position of the civil society community in Kano State. It is misleading to claim to speak for “the people of Kano” without the mandate of the broader CSO constituency. Read Also: Governor Yusuf to Inaugurate Reconstituted Shuurah Council Monday The protest letter makes sweeping allegations against named public officials and the Kano State Government. We categorically state that these remain allegations, not established facts. Anti-graft agencies are still investigating the issues, and no court of competent jurisdiction has found the accused persons guilty. It is therefore irresponsible for any group to pass judgment prematurely and mislead the public. Contrary to the claims, the Kano State Government has put in place mechanisms to ensure transparency in the management of resources, including full compliance with external audits and fiscal reporting; adoption of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which has reduced leakages and improved financial discipline; establishment of procurement monitoring units and anti-corruption desks across MDAs; open budgeting process where civil society actively participates in budget tracking; and regular CSO–Government engagement platforms on service delivery in education, health, information, water, social protection, and climate change. These demonstrate government’s commitment to accountability and should not be ignored by selective narratives. Isolated incidents cited in the protest letter are being investigated, but to generalize them as systemic diversion is unfair. Significant progress has been recorded in road rehabilitation, school renovations, and health sector support across the state. Civil society has documented these gains through independent monitoring. The allegation of harassment is unfounded. The Kano State Government continues to provide an enabling environment for CSOs and the press to operate. Members of the civil society are part of government committees and oversight platforms — evidence that civic space remains open. We support the EFCC, ICPC, and all oversight agencies to continue their work diligently. However, we reject attempts to politicize the anti-corruption fight or to use CSOs as tools for smear campaigns against individuals, institutions, or government. True accountability must be based on evidence, due process, and constructive engagement — not sensational protests. Our forum frowns at any form of harassment and urges any CSO that experienced harassment to show evidence in a transparent manner. We restate that resources meant for the development of Kano must be used transparently and accountably. Where wrongdoing is established, culprits must face the law. At the same time, the civil society community remains committed to promoting peace, democratic stability, and constructive reform processes rather than divisive or sensational campaigns. The Kano CSO community remains committed to protecting public resources, promoting transparency, and ensuring that development reaches the people. We call on the public to disregard divisive narratives and instead support collective, evidence-based actions that strengthen governance in the state. The fight against corruption in Kano State requires unity, responsibility, and integrity among all stakeholders. We urge the general public to disregard any attempt to use the civil society space for political grandstanding or to malign individuals without due process. Our collective focus must remain on strengthening institutions, protecting public resources, and ensuring that the dividends of governance reach the people. Signed, Hassan Ibrahim Gama — Convener Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma — Co-Convener Endorsed by: 1. Farouk Umar — Citizens for Development and Education (CDE) 2. Peter Hassan Tijani — Network for Empowerment and Development Initiative (NEDIN) 3. Yahaya A. Yahaya — National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities Kano Chapter (NAPWPD) 4. Hassan Ibrahim Gama — Masses First International Organization (MFI) 5. Wali Ado Rano — Voice of the Hopeful Enlightenment and Development Initiative (VOHEDI) 6. Nworisa Michael — Stand For Peace Initiative 7. Dr. Kabir Hamisu Kura — Community Development Initiative 8. Rakiya Abba Tahula — Interfaith Peace Foundation 9. Dr. Ramatu Garba — Support for Women and Teenage Children (SWATCH) 10. Maimuna Umar Sheriff — Centre for Gender Base Violence Advocacy 11. Ahmad Tijjani — Alkali Ahmad Center For Development 12. Ibrahim Muhammed — Rural – Urban Slums Development Initiative (RUSDI) 13. Abubakar Shariff Jaddah — Society for Women and Child Health Initiative (SWACHI) 14. Saratu I. Maigida — Lifeline Initiative For Widows Empowerment and Economic Development (LIWEED) 15. Ali Suleiman — Friends of the Community Organization (FOCO) 16. Halima Titi Bello — Women Gender Developers (WOGEND) 17. Dr. Yahaya Danjuma — International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS) 18. Safayanu Bichi — Kano Budget Working Group 19. Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma — Community Rights Initiative of Nigeria (CORIN) 20. Abdulrahman Uba Daushe — Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) 21. Rakiya Ladi Musa — Ansar Women Development 22. Sabo Bello Madaki — Kiru Community Development Association 23. Sunusi Hashimu — Society for Child Support and Economic Empowerment (SOCSEE) 24. Samaila Namadi Ahmad — Yadfulde Kiru Local Government Association and Development 25. Asaju KolawoleKola — Kola and Funke Care Foundation 26. Ruth Stephen — Touch and Care Foundation (TOCAF) 27. Bashir A Bashir — Diamond Youth For Community Development 28. Salisu Gambo Ditol — Youth Mobilization by Media 29. Dr. Auwalu Halilu — Non-formal Development for Education and Health Initiatives (NDEHI) 30. Dr. Tanimu Adam Ibrahim — Gwarzo Initiative Forum 31. Ola Taiwo — Mari-Care Foundation for Widows, Single Parents, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Nigeria (MARI-CARE) 32. Suleiman Idris — Northern Youth Assembly 33. Mohammed Hussaini — Nigerian Democracy Working Group 34. Haj. Aisha Ahmed Abdulkadir (Dangi) — Sustainable Dynamic and Human Development Initiative 35. Gharzali Ibrahim Ungogo

The Kano State Government will on Monday, September 8, 2025, inaugurate the newly reconstituted Shuurah Council at the Government House, Kano. The council, reestablished under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf, is designed to strengthen participatory governance, inclusiveness, and transparency in the state’s decision-making process. According to the state Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, the Shuurah Council will serve as an advisory body, providing policy guidance and recommendations to support the government’s transformation agenda and promote sustainable development across the state. Read Also: Kano Gets 5,684 Slots for 2026 Hajj, Deposit Fixed at N8.5m Governor Yusuf, known for his people-oriented approach, is expected to use the occasion to highlight the objectives and mandate of the council, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability, equity, and citizen participation in governance. The council is made up of highly respected personalities drawn from various constituencies, with the aim of ensuring broad representation across different segments of Kano society. Officials said all council members and invited guests are expected to attend the inauguration as the government takes what it described as another step toward consolidating democratic ideals and strengthening institutions for effective service delivery.

The corruption scandal rocking Kano State has deepened as the Commissioner for Community and Rural Development, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, has reportedly confessed to authorising a N1.17 billion payment for a non-existent contract while serving as the state’s Accountant General, Premium Times reports. According to investigators, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam made the admission during interrogation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is probing a suspected N6.5 billion fraud and money laundering scheme. Documents obtained by Premium Times revealed that in November 2023, the commissioner approved the questionable payment in collusion with the Director-General of Protocol to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Abdullahi Rogo. The deal was allegedly facilitated using forged “letters of authority” in the names of A.Y. Mai Kifi Oil and Gas Ltd. and Ammas Petroleum Company Ltd. However, the managing directors of both firms later denied knowledge of the contracts, saying they signed the documents at the instruction of the former Accountant General. Read Also: Kano’s Political Probe: Ganduje’s Legacy Versus NNPP’s Scandals Investigators disclosed that on November 9, 2023, the N1.17 billion was withdrawn directly from Kano State’s Federation Account Allocation and channelled to bureau de change operators, Gali Muhammad of Kazo Nazo and Nasiru Adamu of Namu Nakune. Muhammad was said to have handed $1 million in cash to Mr Rogo at the Kano Liaison Office in Asokoro, Abuja. Although Abdulsalam admitted authorising the payment, he reportedly failed to justify why the funds were routed through bureau de change firms. He also declined to respond to calls and messages seeking clarification. The ICPC confirmed that it has so far recovered N1.1 billion of the diverted sum. Broader investigations into the N6.5 billion scandal are ongoing, with officials saying Rogo is believed to have masterminded the scheme by funnelling public resources through front companies, bureau de change operators, and private accounts. About N1.3 billion linked to him has already been recovered. Despite mounting evidence, the Kano State Government has continued to dismiss reports of the scandal as politically motivated. It insists that all financial transactions under Governor Yusuf’s administration were duly budgeted and documented, denying that state funds were diverted for personal use.