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Abuja, National, News

Tinubu Urges Judiciary to Strengthen Integrity as EFCC Records ₦500bn Recovery

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for securing over 7,000 convictions and recovering assets worth more than ₦500 billion within the past two years under his administration. Speaking on Monday at the opening of the seventh edition of a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices, organised by the EFCC in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said the figures reflect his administration’s firm commitment to transparency, accountability, and an independent judiciary. “The EFCC has recorded over seven thousand convictions in the first two years of my administration and recovered assets in excess of five hundred billion naira,” the president said, noting that recovered proceeds are being channelled into social investment programmes such as the students’ loan and consumer credit schemes. Read Also: Barau Jibrin Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Quality Healthcare, Inspects Seven Projects at AKTH He stressed that his administration has maintained a hands-off approach in the operations of anti-graft agencies and the judiciary, allowing both to function independently and in accordance with the Constitution. “There is no person or group who can accuse this administration of shielding political actors on account of their affiliation to this government or the political party,” he said. “We have allowed both the judiciary and the anti-graft agencies to exercise their constitutional and statutory powers.” Addressing judicial officers, the president acknowledged public frustration over delays in high-profile corruption cases, urging judges to uphold the integrity and credibility of the judicial process. “The theme of this year’s workshop, ‘Enhancing Justice in the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes,’ comes at a time when there is public concern over delayed adjudication of major corruption cases while cybercrime matters are decided swiftly,” Tinubu said. He called on judges to uphold the judiciary as “the last sanctuary of our collective conscience,” emphasising that justice remains central to the moral and social fabric of the nation. “We draw our moral distinction as a people from the judiciary, and we owe it the reverence and autonomy to remain the last sanctuary of our collective conscience,” he added. On the evolving nature of financial crimes, Tinubu underscored the need for continuous learning among judicial officers to keep pace with modern financial technologies and complex fraud schemes. “How does one do justice in a cryptocurrency fraud case except one is grounded in such matters? Learning and relearning is no longer a buzz phrase but an essential undertaking for continued relevance in this digital age,” he said. He urged members of the judiciary and all Nigerians to remain steadfast in the collective fight against corruption, reminding them that “there are no special roads, hospitals, or communities for judges.” “A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right in our respective spheres of influence,” the president concluded.

Kano, News

Governor Yusuf Hailed for Justice-Driven Leadership and Compassionate Governance

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been extensively praised for his compassionate and fair-minded leadership style, which continues to reflect deep faith, integrity, and commitment to justice for all citizens of the state. This was contained in a statement signed by Sani Abba Yola, Director of Special Duties, Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs. The commendation was made by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during a courtesy visit to his office by members of the Forum of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Special Assistants (SAs), and Personal Assistants (PAs) who served under the previous administration. Comrade Waiya described Governor Yusuf as a visionary and compassionate leader who is committed to the overall development of Kano State and to ensuring that everyone receives their due entitlements, irrespective of political differences. Read Also: Kano Govt Approves New Water Treatment Plant for Rano Zone He cited, as a clear demonstration of the Governor’s sense of fairness, the payment of over ₦27 billion out of ₦48 billion owed in gratuities to retired civil servants in the state, as well as the recent settlement of severance benefits for former Councillors who served under the immediate past administration of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. “These actions,” the Commissioner said, “are proof that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf places humanity and justice above politics. His decisions are guided by compassion and a sincere desire to heal divisions and restore confidence in governance.” Comrade Waiya further assured the visiting Forum members that their request for the payment of severance benefits will be transmitted to the Governor for consideration. He emphasized that the present administration remains steadfast in its resolve to settle all legitimate entitlements based purely on justice and merit, not as a reward for political alignment or defection to the ruling party. Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the SSA, SA, and PA Forum, Alhaji Gidado Ahmad Satatima, explained that the purpose of their visit was to formally appeal for the payment of their severance allowances, in the same spirit of fairness and inclusion extended to former Councillors. Alhaji Gidado expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for his tireless efforts in mediating between the Forum and the State Government to ensure that their request receives due consideration. He also commended the Commissioner’s humility, accessibility, and dedication to promoting harmony between government officials and stakeholders. He further extended heartfelt appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his exemplary leadership and inclusive governance style, noting that his administration’s commitment to fairness, equity, and justice continues to inspire confidence and hope among the people of Kano State.

Business, Kano, National, News

Cooking Gas Prices Drop Across Nigeria as Supply Improves

Prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, have begun to drop across Nigeria after weeks of sharp increases, following improved supply from refineries and depots, retailers have said. According to market sources, the average price of cooking gas has now fallen to between ₦1,300 and ₦1,500 per kilogramme, compared to about ₦2,000 per kilogramme recorded just three weeks ago. Retailers confirmed that the product is becoming more available, with noticeable improvement in supply. “The price is dropping but not yet back to the former level. It is now between ₦1,300 and ₦1,600, depending on the location,” a Lagos-based retailer said. Read Also: Why Cooking Gas Price Soared to ₦2,000 Per Kilogram — Marketers Explain While the market remains unstable, stakeholders expressed optimism that normalcy could return within a week if the current pace of supply continues. “There is considerable improvement. Hopefully, stability will be attained soon if supply is sustained,” another retailer added. Consumers across major cities, including Lagos, Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, confirmed the price reduction, expressing hope that the cost would drop further to around ₦900 per kilogramme or less. Cooking gas prices had doubled in recent weeks following a strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) amid a dispute with the Dangote refinery, which disrupted supplies nationwide. Although the strike has since been suspended, prices remained high until recently. Last week, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) warned marketers against hoarding and exploiting consumers, assuring that the government was taking measures to stabilise the market. Distributors, however, accused off-takers of inflating prices between the refinery and retailers. Reports indicate that the Dangote refinery sold LPG at ₦15.8 million per 20,000 metric tonnes to major distributors, who resold between ₦18.4 million and ₦18.5 million. Sources at the refinery denied responsibility for retail price fluctuations, stating that marketers purchase LPG at ₦715,000 per metric tonne (about ₦715 per kilogramme). They insisted that price regulation rests solely with the government under the Petroleum Industry Act. Earlier, the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) blamed retailers for the previous price surge — a claim the retailers’ association described as unfair and misleading.

Kano, News, Sport

Kano Pillars Suspend Coaches Over Poor NPFL Performance

The management of Kano Pillars Football Club has announced the suspension of the team’s Technical Adviser, Ogenyi Evans, and Chief Coach, Ahmed Garba, following what it described as the club’s unsatisfactory performance in the ongoing 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. In a statement issued by the club’s Media and Communications Directorate on Monday in Kano, the management said the suspension, which takes immediate effect, is aimed at repositioning the team for improved results. According to the statement, the team has played eight league matches so far, securing only two wins, two draws, and suffering four defeats — a performance the management considered below expectations. Read Also: Barau FC Leadership Holds First-Ever Meeting “In the interim, former club captain and Assistant Coach, Mr. Gambo Muhammad, alongside Goalkeeping Coach, Mr. Suleiman Shuaibu, will take charge of the team’s technical responsibilities,” the club announced. It added that Coach Garzali Muhammad from the Junior Pillars will also join the interim coaching crew in an ad-hoc capacity pending further directives from the club’s hierarchy. The management expressed appreciation to the club’s supporters for their continued loyalty and assured them that necessary measures were being taken to restore the team’s winning spirit. Meanwhile, Kano Pillars have been sanctioned by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following incidents of crowd trouble during their recent home match against Shooting Stars. As part of the punishment, the club will play their next ten home matches in Katsina behind closed doors, while also facing a ₦9.5 million fine. In addition, the NPFL deducted three points and three goals from the team’s total for the ongoing season. The team’s poor performance continued on Match Day 9, when they suffered a 2–1 defeat to newly promoted Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano — Barau FC’s adopted home ground. Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali opened the scoring for Pillars in the 20th minute, but Barau FC’s Ibrahim Yahaya equalised from the penalty spot, his fourth goal of the season, before Stanley Okafor Oganbor netted the winner in the 75th minute to seal victory for the visitors. The result and subsequent sanctions have intensified pressure on the club’s technical crew and management as the team continues to struggle for consistency in the ongoing campaign. Kano Pillars, after nine games, currently occupy 20th position in the NPFL standings. (NAN)

Kano, News

Barau Jibrin Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Quality Healthcare, Inspects Seven Projects at AKTH

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, on Sunday reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system as he inspected seven major health projects he facilitated at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). The inspection, which drew attention to the federal government’s investment in specialized healthcare infrastructure, was conducted alongside four Senators — Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream), Muntari Dandutse (Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND), Babangida Hussaini (Chairman, Senate Committee on North West Development Commission), and Abdulhamid Malam-Madori (Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs). The projects include the construction and equipping of a cardiothoracic centre, internal road construction at the College of Health Sciences (BUK-AKTH premises), construction of a student hostel at the College of Nursing Sciences, interlocking works at the Department of Radiology, S. S. Wali Centre, and Speciality Clinic Annexe, as well as the construction of classrooms and offices at the School of Health Information Management (SHIM), and the establishment of a pediatrics complex. Read Also: FG Clarifies: English, Mathematics Still Compulsory for O’Level Students In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mallam Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau said the projects align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for improved healthcare delivery, noting that they aim to reduce medical tourism and enhance Nigeria’s healthcare capacity. “What we are doing now, in terms of developing this institution into an advanced, specialized hospital, is in line with the President’s vision,” Barau said. “The President’s cardinal priority is to ensure sound healthcare delivery at a specialized level. With the investments being made, Nigerians will no longer need to travel abroad for treatment.” He emphasized the National Assembly’s support for the President’s reform agenda, assuring continued legislative backing to strengthen the health sector and other critical areas of national development. “We are all members of Mr. President’s family. We are working based on his teachings and commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges. What you have seen is only the beginning. We shall continue to develop this hospital until it becomes the best in West Africa,” he added. The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of AKTH, Professor Abdurrahman Abba Sheshe, commended Senator Barau’s consistent support, noting that his contributions were helping to position AKTH as the best teaching hospital in Nigeria. On his part, the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Haruna Musa, expressed appreciation for Senator Barau’s intervention, stating that within two months of his tenure, the institution had already benefited from two major projects facilitated by the Deputy Senate President.

Kano, News

POWA, El’s Foundation Organize Health, Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign in Kano

The Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), Kano State Chapter, in collaboration with El’s Empowerment Foundation, has organized a health check-up and awareness campaign to promote wellness and discourage illicit drug use among women in Kano. This was conveyed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who noted that the event was designed to encourage women to prioritize their health and sensitize them on the dangers of substance abuse and criminal activities. Read Also: The Power of Innuendo: Inside Dan’uwa Rano’s “Letter of Malam Imalu” and the Role of Subtle Truth in Journalism The event, held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Bompai, featured collaboration with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Women Wing, targeting women across the eleven Police Area Commands in the state. The Chairperson of POWA, Hajia Hadiza Ibrahim Bakori, urged women to embrace regular medical check-ups, focus on moral upbringing of their children, and avoid involvement in social vices. Similarly, the President of El’s Empowerment Foundation, Mrs. Adesuwa, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering women through health and skills development initiatives. In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, commended POWA, PCRC, and El’s Foundation for their commitment to promoting community welfare and security, describing the initiative as a step toward strengthening police-community relations in the state.

Education, National, News

FG Clarifies: English, Mathematics Still Compulsory for O’Level Students

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students at the O’Level level. This clarification was contained in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo. Boriowo said the clarification became necessary following widespread misconceptions about the recently announced streamlining of admission requirements into tertiary institutions. Read Also: FG Introduces AI, Robotics, and Journalism into New Secondary School Curriculum She quoted the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as saying that the reform does not exempt any student from registering or sitting for English and Mathematics during their O’Level examinations. According to Alausa, the new policy only introduces a more inclusive and flexible framework for tertiary admissions to ensure that capable students are not unfairly denied access to higher education due to deficiencies in non-core subjects. He explained that the reform allows institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where a credit pass in either English or Mathematics may not be compulsory, while still requiring all students to register and sit for both subjects. “This reform supports the Federal Government’s vision of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development. It broadens academic pathways and recognises diverse strengths among learners,” the minister stated. Dr. Alausa emphasised that English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning, noting that the adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take the subjects. He further advised students, parents, and other education stakeholders to rely on verified government communication channels for accurate information to avoid misinformation. (NAN)

Kano, News

Kano Journalist Ibrahim Dan’uwa Rano Regains Freedom After Unlawful Detention

Kano-based broadcast journalist Ibrahim Ishaq, popularly known as Dan’uwa Rano, has regained his freedom after being detained for several days at the Zone 1 Police Headquarters in Kano. His release followed mounting pressure from rights groups, including the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Amnesty International, and several civil society organizations, who condemned his arrest as unlawful and an attempt to suppress press freedom. Dan’uwa Rano was arrested after a petition filed by Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, Director-General of Protocol to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who accused the journalist of defamation over an online audio commentary aired on Dan’uwa Rano TV. Read Also: CITAD Condemns Arrest of Journalist Dan’uwa Rano, Calls It an Assault on Press Freedom Sources said the commentary, which referenced alleged corruption involving government officials, did not directly mention Rogo’s name but was widely interpreted as pointing toward him. Court and investigation documents previously reviewed by Daily Nigerian revealed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have linked Rogo to the diversion of over ₦6.5 billion in public funds. The funds were allegedly laundered through companies such as H&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas Limited. Investigations have so far led to the recovery of ₦1.1 billion, while a Federal High Court in Kano ordered the forfeiture of ₦142.2 million linked to Rogo to the ICPC. The CITAD, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u, said Rano’s arrest was “unwarranted and represents a dangerous trend of intolerance and misuse of power to intimidate journalists.” The organization reminded authorities that freedom of expression and media rights are protected under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution. Similarly, Amnesty International described the journalist’s detention as “a violation of constitutional rights and a misuse of law enforcement to silence dissenting voices.” Rano’s arrest and detention drew widespread criticism across Nigeria’s media and civic space, with many describing it as an embarrassment to democratic governance. He was finally released on Tuesday evening after intense public pressure. Speaking briefly after regaining his freedom, Dan’uwa Rano expressed gratitude to journalists, rights defenders, and the public for standing by him, saying: “This is not just about me — it’s about the freedom of the press in Kano and Nigeria as a whole. The truth cannot be silenced.” Civil society organizations have called on the Nigeria Police and Kano State Government to respect journalists’ rights and ensure that future grievances are addressed through lawful and transparent processes.

Kano, News

CITAD Condemns Arrest of Journalist Dan’uwa Rano, Calls It an Assault on Press Freedom

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the arrest of digital journalist Ibrahim Ishaq, popularly known as Dan’uwa Rano, describing it as an attempt to silence the media and suppress free expression in Kano State. Dan’uwa, founder of Dan’uwa Rano TV, was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Zone One Command, over an online audio commentary in which he allegedly suggested that a government official was collecting money from individuals seeking access to the Kano State Governor. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u, CITAD said the police action was “unwarranted and represents a dangerous trend of intolerance and misuse of power to intimidate journalists.” Read Also: Police Yet to Release Dan’uwa Rano After Petition by Kano Government Official According to Ya’u, the journalist did not mention any names in his commentary, but it was alleged that the Director-General of Protocol to the Kano State Governor filed a complaint that led to his arrest. “The arrest of a journalist for performing his constitutional duty of informing the public is a gross abuse of power and a violation of democratic norms,” the statement read. CITAD described the incident as part of a broader assault on press freedom and civic participation in Nigeria, reminding authorities that freedom of expression is protected under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Ya’u stressed that the Nigeria Police should act as “a protector of rights, not an instrument of oppression.” The organisation therefore called for the immediate and unconditional release of the journalist and urged both the Nigeria Police and the Kano State Government to desist from further acts of intimidation against media practitioners. CITAD also appealed to civil society groups, media organisations, and human rights defenders to speak out against what it described as “a growing pattern of press suppression.” “A society that silences its journalists denies citizens access to truth and accountability,” Ya’u added. The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, digital rights, and journalists’ safety in Nigeria, pledging to continue resisting any form of censorship or intimidation targeting the media or citizens exercising their right to free speech.

Kano, News, Weekend Digest with The Historica Nigeria

Police Yet to Release Dan’uwa Rano After Petition by Kano Government Official

The popular broadcast journalist, Ibrahim Ishaq, widely known as Dan’uwa Rano, remains in police custody following his arrest on Saturday in Kano metropolis by officers from the Zone 1 Police Command, an arrest reportedly carried out without the presentation of a valid warrant. The detention followed a petition filed by Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, Director-General of Protocol to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who accused the journalist of defamation over reports aired on Dan’uwa Rano TV, an online platform. Sources close to the investigation told reporters that the police have insisted Dan’uwa Rano must produce “Malam Imalu,” a fictional character featured in one of his YouTube programmes titled Letter from Imalu, before any consideration for his release. Related: Kano CSOs Protest, Demand Accountability Over Alleged N6.5bn Fraud Court and investigation documents earlier reviewed and published by Daily Nigerian revealed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have linked Abdullahi Rogo to the alleged diversion of more than ₦6.5 billion in public funds. The funds were reportedly channelled through companies such as H&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas Limited, using fictitious contracts and currency conversions through bureau de change operators. According to the reports, ₦1.1 billion has already been recovered, while a Federal High Court in Kano ordered the forfeiture of ₦142.2 million linked to Rogo to the ICPC. Read Also: Military Refutes Coup Allegation, Reassures Nigerians of Stability Before his detention, Dan’uwa Rano told journalists that the police accused him of operating without a valid license from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and running an unregistered media company. He described his arrest as an attempt to intimidate the press and suppress free expression in Kano State. Eyewitnesses confirmed that the journalist’s arrest was carried out without due legal procedure, as no warrant was presented at the time of his apprehension. He was taken directly to Zone 1 Police Headquarters for questioning and has since remained in custody under what sources describe as “administrative orders.” Reports indicate that Dan’uwa Rano may remain in detention until at least Monday, when he is expected to be arraigned before a magistrate court in Kano. ‘The Historica Nigeria’s’ repeated attempts to reach Zone 1 Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Bashir, have been unsuccessful, with calls going unreturned as of the latest update.

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