Kano – Channels Television

Ex-Banker Jailed 17 Years For Fraud, To Refund N93m

A combination of photos of Rabiu Dawaki, released by the EFCC on November 23, 2020.

The Kano State High Court has convicted a former banker, Rabiu Dawaki, of charges of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust.

Justice Dije Aboki convicted Dawaki in her judgement on Monday and ordered him to restitute N93,232,500.

Mr Wilson Uwujaren who is the spokesman for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed this in a statement.

Dawaki was arraigned alongside two others – Abdullahi Rano and Samuel Obende – who are now deceased on 28 counts of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust.

The three defendants, all former employees of an old generation bank, were responsible for receiving, processing, and distributing money to all their bank’s cash centres across Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States.

They were, however, said to have betrayed the trust of their employers and conspired among themselves to defraud the bank by diverting the funds to their own use.

The convict, alongside his co-defendants, reportedly altered figures to show that they made cash deliveries to designated branches whereas the monies were never delivered.

When they were arraigned on February 26, 2015, Dawaki and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, thereby setting the stage for the full trial.

But Dawaki’s co-defendants died and their names were subsequently removed from the charge.

The prosecution called seven witnesses to prove the case against the convict, while the defendant called six witnesses, including himself.

In her judgment, Justice Aboki found Dawaki guilty of seven counts of the charge and convicted him accordingly.

She, however, acquitted him on 21 counts.

The judge convicted the defendant on count one which bordered on conspiracy and counts two, 11, 22, 24, 25, and 26, all of which bordered on criminal breach of trust.

On counts one, 11, 22, 24, 25, and 26, the convict was sentenced to two years imprisonment and a fine of N200,000 on each.

On count two, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment and a fine of N200,000.

Justice Aboki noted that sentence on counts two and 11 were to run consecutively while counts one, 22, 24, 25, and 26 would run concurrently.

Kano Private Schools Obey Govt’s Directive, Slash Fees By 25 Per Cent

A map of Kano state in northern Nigeria.-Kanooooo — A map of Kano, a state in north-west Nigeria.

Kano State chapter of the Association of Private Schools Owners of Nigeria (APSON), has agreed to reduce school fees charges by 25 per cent as directed by the State Ministry of Education

According to a statement on Monday by the State Commissioner of Education, Muhammad Sanusi Sa’id-Kiru, the members unveiled their decision when they paid a solidarity visit to the Commissioner of Education in his office.

Earlier, the state government threatened to cancel the third term of the private schools unless the proprietors cut down school fees to 25 per cent.

The commissioner said APSON’s National Deputy President, Maryam Magaji, “has informed me that their association has decided to comply with the government directives for the reduction of the school fees with a view to cushioning the effects of the economic hardship suffered as a result of the covid-19 pandemic by parents in Kano State.”

While noting that the government’s directives for schools to slash fees were not meant to hurt proprietors, Kiru said it was done in the best interest of the educational development of the state.

Kano Govt Asks Private Schools To Reduce Fees, Threatens To Scrap Third Term

Wearing face-masks, final year students of Government Secondary School, Zone 3, Abuja, sit in a classroom as they write their West African Examinations Council exams, following the ease of COVID-19 lockdown order on Monday August 17, 2020. Photo: Sodiq Adelakun/Channels Television. — A file photo of students writing an examination on August 17, 2020.

The Kano State government has threatened to cancel the 2019/2020 third term academic session for all private schools.

In a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner for Education in Kano, Muhammad Sa’id-Kiru, warned that the cancellation would be effected should private school authorities fail to cut down fees to a minimum of 25 per cent.

He explained that the decision became necessary to mitigate the effect of the harsh economic condition on residents as a result of the lockdown prompted by the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Sa’id-Kiru stated that this affected both the social and economic lives of the people, stressing the importance of reducing the school fees to be paid by parents.

“I have already set up two parallel ad-hoc committees to discuss with owners of private schools on the percentage of school fees they are to reduce, as done in about four to five states, or we cancel the third term totally so that the academic calendar will commence with a new session in January 2021,” he said.

The commissioner asked proprietors of private schools to show some sign of appreciation for the support they enjoyed from the state government and extend the same magnanimity to the people of Kano.

He also assured the residents that if there was no positive response from the proprietors by November 1, the ministry would be left with no option than to take such a “revolutionary decision in the public interest.”

Kano Residents Protest Over Death Of 17-Year-Old In Police Custody

Kano residents protest over the death of a 17-year-old boy

Residents in Kano State are protesting over the death of 17-year-old Saufullahi, who died in police custody on Monday morning.

Saifullahi of Kofar Mata Quarters was arrested two days ago by the police, while he was sleeping at the premises of his family house.

According to some protesters, the 17-year-old victim is not known for any criminal offense.

He was reportedly released on bail but re-arrested and detained on Sunday where he was allegedly tortured to death.

The police brought his corpse to the family house this morning, a development that angered the people to take to the street and start making bonfires in protests.

It took the intervention of the elders in the community to ensure that the protest did not degenerate into uncontrollable violence.

“We have already taken his body and lodged at the Shahuci Area Command and a delegation is on the way to the Police Command,” a resident told Channels Television.

Another resident, who expressed a shock at Saifullahi’s tragic death, described him as “a very nice young man”, who had no known record of any criminality.

“The people are angry. We have hoodlums here. No one would have reacted this way if it happened to any one of them. But Saifullahi was not one of them, “ he stressed.

The Federal Government is currently facing widespread protests over police brutality under different hashtags, like EndSARS, EndSWAT EndPoliceBrutality, and others, attracting the attention of the international community.

Although the campaign has not been observed in the streets of the commercial centre of the state, the sudden death of Saifullahi at the hands of the Kano police has brought a widespread concern.

Coalition Of Northern Youths Storm Kano, Protest In Favour Of SWAT

Northern Youths Protest In Favour Of SWAT

A coalition of northern youths on Wednesday stormed the streets of Kano to protest in favour of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, on Tuesday set up a new unit called the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, to replace the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Unit (SARS).

But the formation of the new unit has drawn several reactions leading to protests in some parts of the country calling for it to be scrapped.

In Kano, the story is different as some youths are in support of the tactic team.

The protesters took the rally to the Government House, they were received by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

The group believes that the formation of SWAT is an excellent strategy towards reforming the Nigerian Police.

Kano LG Polls: Ganduje Asks Electoral Commission To Be Neutral

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje speaks during the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House on October 6, 2020.

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje has asked the State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to be neutral in the forthcoming local government elections slated for early 2021.

This call was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Abba Anwar.

According to the statement, the governor made the demand during the swearing-in of the newly screened and appointed Commissioners of the electoral umpire, during the State Executive Council meeting.

He gave the assurance that nobody would interfere in the operations of the Commission before, during or after the election coming up soon.

“As our Electoral Commission is bracing up for the local government election coming up early next year, we resolved to make the Commission complete for immediate operation,” he said.

“We have the remaining of only one Commissioner now, who will also be screened by the State House of Assembly. We all believe that KANSIEC must be complete for good and smooth operation.

“Even though you are appointed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, but when it comes to work, don’t be partisan. You have to, in fact, you must maintain neutrality in whatever you are doing.”

The newly appointed and sworn-in Commissioners are Ahmad Rufa’i Yalwa, Idris Haruna Geza and A’isha Abubakar Bichi.

He also charged them to be diligent and transparent in their official engagements, stressing “You should do everything possible to make sure that you remain as independent as your name suggests.”

Kano Govt Directs Reopening Of Primary, Secondary Schools From October 11

Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, spoke to reporters on Friday, February 7, 2020. — Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje

Kano state government has directed the re-opening of both public and private schools in the state effective from Sunday 11th October 2020.

In a statement by the State Commissioner of Education, Muhammad Sanusi Sa’id-Karu on, stated that pupils of primary 6 in public schools and primary 5 in private schools are to resume on Sunday, October 11, 2020, while Primary 1 and 2 are to be attending classes on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The statement also said primary 3,4 and 5 are to be attending their classes on Wednesday, Thursdays, and Fridays with effect from Monday 12th of October 2020.

According to the commissioner, ” JSS 2 and SS 2 students are to resume fully so that they would be well prepared for their forthcoming transitional and qualifying examinations.”

He, however, pointed out students of JSS1 and SS1 in both private/public boarding and day schools are to remain at home for additional five weeks.

“This extension is to allow for the completion of transitional and qualifying examinations as well as to uphold the protocol of social distancing in classes and hostels.”

Hon. Kiru then explained that out of the ten weeks duration for the 3rd term school calendar, 3 weeks have been earmarked for 2nd term examination which was about to be conducted before the closure of the schools.

“Similarly, the 15 government-owned Tsangaya schools are also to fully resume on the 11th of October.

“We are also directing islamiyya schools that were duly registered with Kano state qur’anic and islamiyya schools board to resume on 12th October 2020 respectively.”

Mr. Kiru warned proprietors of islamiyya schools not to, “collect money from parents in the name of providing facemasks and other PPEs as the government is determined to provide them to all registered islamiyya schools in the state.”

The commissioner also explained that the Kano state government will take full responsibility for the fumigation and provision of ppes to the staff and students of all the 8,582 public and private schools in addition to the private schools operating in the state.

He revealed that a high-powered monitoring team will soon be constituted by the ministry which will include all stakeholders to assist in ensuring compliance with directives and guidelines of the PTF on COVID-19 through the Federal Ministry of Education which is to be funded by the state government.

Kano Govt Constitutes Committee On Integration Of Almajiri Education

Kano state government has constituted a 10-man committee, headed by the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, to harmonize and streamline multi-agency efforts aimed at integrating Quranic and Tsangaya Education into the Universal Basic Education Programme.

A statement signed by the Director-General Media and Publicity to the Governor, Aminu Yasar, said The state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje announced this today during a Basic Education Service Delivery for All, BESDA, stakeholders meeting at the Government House in Kano.

He disclosed that “the committee is mandated to register Quranic and Tsangaya schools, ensure curriculum integration, develop feeding arrangement and sort out the issue of uniform for the Almajirai”.

Dr. Ganduje added that the committee would focus on the integration of Teachers (Alarammomi), identity cards for the Almajirai, accommodation, and elements of comfort and convenience like lavatories.

He said the committee would look at other issues incidental to their assignment and submit a report within the next four weeks.

The governor, who stressed determination to strengthen delivery and outcomes in the basic education sector of the state, highlighted that the reform in the Almajiri Education System was aimed at ensuring that the society benefitted from the potentials inherent in the Almajirai.

The State Commissioner of Education, the Commissioner for Higher Education, the State Executive Chairman, SUBEB, the Special Adviser on Free and Compulsory Education, and the Chairman, Community Promotion Council are members of the Committee.

Others are the Chairman, Quranic and Islamiyya Schools Board, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education while the BESDA Focal Person is to serve as Secretary.

Kano Govt Reopens Schools For Final Year Exams

The Kano State Government has directed the reopening of all government and public secondary schools that will be writing the National Examination Council (NECO) and National Board For Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS).

In a statement signed by the State Commissioner of Education Muhammad Sanusi Said-Kiru says governor Abdullahi Ganduje the SS3 students in boarding schools return on Sunday, 20th September 2020 while SS3 students in day schools resume on Monday, 21st September 2020 to give sufficient time for review and biometric of all candidates.”

Mr. Kiru also advised all directors and principals of the concerned schools to maintain full compliance with the COVID- 19 protocols by all staff and students.

Ganduje Approves N257 Million Tuition Fees For Kano Students In Egypt

A file photo of Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has approved N257 million ‎for the payment of tuition and maintenance fees for 43 students of the state studying in Egypt.‎

Mr Abba Anwar, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, made the disclosure in a statement on Thursday in Kano.

Anwar said the students were sponsored by the state government to pursue various programmes of study at Al-Mansoura and October 6 universities in Egypt.

“Gov. Ganduje has approved the released of N209 million for the payment of outstanding tuition and maintenance fees of students at Al-Mansoura University.

‎“The governor also approved N48 million being outstanding tuition and maintenance fees in respect of the six sponsored students of OCTOBER 6 University, Egypt,” he said.

Anwar noted that the governor also pardoned the students in spite of their involvement in politics.

“The 37 students studying at Al Mansoura, wrote an apology letter to the governor, regretting that they were hoodwinked by some elements to score political gains‎,” the statement added.

According to him, the governor also employed modalities to fast track upward review of bursary allowances for internal students, to ameliorate their sufferings occasioned by the COVID -19 pandemic.

Anwar added that the State Scholarship Board had been directed to commence registration of prospectus students to facilitate payments before the reopening of schools.

NBA Wades Into Case Of Kano Musician Sentenced To Death For Blasphemy

NBA President, Olumide Akpata. Photo: [email protected] Akpata

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has waded into the reported case of a musician, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu who was sentenced to death in Kano State for blasphemy.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the NBA National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ernest Nduka, NBA President, Olumide Akpata, has set up a two-man Fact-Finding Committee.

The committee, comprising the association’s first Vice President, John Aikpokpo-Martins and the National Welfare Secretary, Mr Kunle Edun were mandated to visit the Federal Correctional Centre in Kano.

According to the statement, the visit followed calls by well-meaning Nigerians to allow the convicted musician to have access to his lawyers.

SEE FULL STATEMENT HERE:

*NBA WADES INTO THE REPORTED CASE OF REFUSAL BY THE FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL CENTRE TO ALLOW LAWYERS ACCESS TO YAHAYA SHARIF-AMINU, WHO WAS SENTENCED TO DEATH BY THE KANO STATE UPPER SHARIA COURT. *
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association – Mr. Olumide Akpata, in response to the allegations on the social media by Nigerians and calls by members of the Nigerian Bar Association on the Federal Correctional Centre, Kano to allow Yahaya Sharif-Aminu have access to his lawyers, set up a two-man Fact-Finding Committee made up of the NBA 1st Vice President – Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins and the National Welfare Secretary – Mr. Kunle Edun. The committee was mandated to urgently embark on a fact-finding mission to the Federal Correctional Centre in Kano.
On the 2nd day of September 2020, the 1st Vice President and the National Welfare Secretary visited the said Correctional Centre and sought audience with the Controller of the Correctional Centre.
Recall that Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was recently sentenced to death by the Kano Upper Sharia Court having been convicted for blasphemy. The Governor of Kano State has been reported to have promised to sign the execution warrant if Yahaya Sharif-Aminu fails to appeal the death sentence within the statutory time allowed by law.
At the Correctional Centre, the NBA National Officers were informed that the Controller of the Correctional Centre was not available. They were granted an audience by the Second in command.
The NBA National Officers informed the said Second in Command about their mission at the Federal Correctional Centre, Kano. They requested to see Yahaya Sharif-Aminu in order to ascertain the veracity of the allegation that lawyers were not allowed to gain access to him. The said Second in Command informed the said National Officers that he does not have the authority to grant the access sought, but would seek the permission of his boss, the Controller (who was not available as at the time of the visit) before allowing the National Officers access to Yahaya Sharif-Aminu.
The afore-mentioned National officers were eventually denied access to Yahaya Sharif even after the said Second in Command made the call to his superior.
However, the said National Officers were able to confirm that Yahaya Sharif-Aminu has been denied access to any lawyer since his conviction. They were further informed that Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was not represented by a lawyer during the trial at the Upper Sharia Court.
The Nigerian Bar Association states that since the visit was a fact finding mission, the NBA shall take further steps in ensuring that Yahaya Sharif-Aminu is given the requisite opportunity to exercise his constitutional right of appeal and his right to be represented by a lawyer of his choice. It is imperative that Yahaya is granted access to a lawyer of his choice.
*Dr. Rapuluchukwu Ernest Nduka*
National Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association

Ex-Kano Emir Sanusi Arrives Kaduna In First Visit To North After Deposition

The former Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi has arrived Kaduna state more than five months after he was deposed by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state.

Sanusi’s visit to Kaduna state happens to be his first to any part of northern Nigeria since he was removed from the throne on March 9, 2020.

He is expected to visit Governor Nasir El-Rufai, his long time friend of over forty years at the Kaduna State Government House.

**File photo: Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai greets deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi on Friday, March 13, 2020. Photo: Kaduna State House / Twitter**

The former Emir on arrival in Kaduna was received by a crowd of supporters who joined his motorcade.

Some of them displayed 2023 campaign posters with his photograph on their vehicles.

Sanusi, an ex-central bank Governor had frosty relations with Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje since 2017.

His supporters believe he was sacked for opposing Mr Ganduje’s re-election last year.

Sanusi was seen as a reformist and had been critical of some government policies – a stance that frequently put him at loggerheads with ruling politicians.

Exiled Ruler

Following his deposition, El-Rufai had met with the dethroned Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi at Awe in Nasarawa State.

Governor El-Rufai had on March 13th, 2020, arrived Awe Local Government where Sanusi was residing then.

Due to a heavy security presence, journalists were only allowed to stay 200 metres away from the place.

File photo: Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai sits with deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi in an automobile on Friday, March 13, 2020. Photo: Kaduna State House / Twitter

Sanusi later left Awe for Lagos after a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja granted an interim order releasing him from detention in Nasarawa.

Justice Anwuli Chikere granted the order in line with the prayers on the exparte motion filed on behalf of the deposed Emir by Mr Lateef Fagbemi SAN.

The former Emir had approached the court seeking an interim order of the court directing his immediate release from detention.

‘Moving On’

Not disturbed by his dethronement, the former CBN governor said he was “moving on” with his life, but, admitted that challenging his removal could have been the easiest thing to do if he wanted to.

“I have done what I could in six years, I’m moving on. I don’t want to go back. The truth is, if I had wanted to go back, the dethronement letter was so badly written, it was not done professionally. The easiest thing is just to go to court.

“It’s a simple, fair hearing, ‘did you query him? Did you ask him to defend himself? Did you even call him to ask him any question?’ That’s all but I think we should go on to a new phase in life,” he said.

Tag: Kano