A Kano High Court sentenced Chinese national Frank Geng-Quangrong to death by hanging for the murder of his Nigerian girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani. The court found the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, despite the defendant's inconsistent testimony. The prosecution presented six witnesses and four exhibits, while the defense presented two witnesses and five exhibits. The judge recommended mercy on behalf of the convict. The victim's mother expressed satisfaction with the judgment.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation, conducted a three-day sensitisation workshop to train trade union workers on gender mainstreaming for the protection of migrant workers in Nigeria. The NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, emphasized the commitment to improving trade union activities in labour migration processes and promoting fair recruitment and decent work. The ILO's Inviolata Chinyangarara highlighted the FAIRWAY project's goal to understand gender mainstreaming in labour migration governance, noting that discrimination and gender-based violence are major factors influencing women's migration.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conducted a three-day workshop in Kano to train trade union workers on gender mainstreaming to protect migrant workers. The training aims to enhance the activities of trade unions in labour migration processes, promote fair recruitment, and ensure decent work for migrant workers. NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, represented by Rita Goyit, emphasized the organization's commitment to better migration governance and gender mainstreaming. ILO's Inviolata Chinyangarara highlighted the challenges faced by women migrants, including discrimination and gender-based violence.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is providing $134 million to Nigeria to support the cultivation of rice, maize, cassava, and soyabeans, aiming to boost food production. AfDB President Akinwunmi Adesina announced the initiative, which includes cultivating 300,000 hectares each of rice and maize, 150,000 hectares of cassava, and 50,000 hectares of soyabeans. The bank will also support the cultivation of heat-tolerant wheat and maize varieties. The Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University, Kano, will receive grants and collaborate with AfDB to enhance weather prediction and information dissemination for farmers. The CDA, supported by the World Bank, focuses on improving livelihoods and sustainable use of natural resources in African dry lands.

The Kano State Judiciary disposed of 71,914 cases out of 102,234 filed in the 2022/2023 Legal Year, as announced by Chief Judge Justice Dije Abdu-Aboki during the new legal year ceremony. With 30,320 pending cases, the judiciary has seen a significant number of criminal and civil cases processed. The Chief Judge highlighted the translation of documents and records of proceedings as a success, while identifying the relocation of courts and deplorable conditions as challenges. Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf committed to supporting the judiciary's independence and effective administration of justice, and advised the nine newly appointed judges to be fair and just.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating to develop a national disaster risk reduction strategy and action plan for Nigeria, focusing on preparedness, mitigation, risk reduction, and adaptation. The initiative, part of the Sahel Resilience Project, aims to address recurring disasters such as boat mishaps, building collapses, and urban fires. The project aligns with the African Union's efforts and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, promoting policy coherence related to sustainable development, poverty eradication, and climate change.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) destroyed 15.7 tonnes of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Kano State, seized between October 2020 and October 2023. The destruction, aimed at preventing the drugs from re-entering society, included cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, and expired drugs. NDLEA officials and Kano State representatives emphasized their commitment to eradicating drug abuse, with plans to establish divisional narcotic offices across Nigeria. The efforts were praised by various stakeholders, including the Kano State Government and Emirate Councils.

The arraignment of Maged Ali-Taan, a Lebanese national and Managing Director of Alibert Products Nigeria Limited, and his employee Mustapha Tiamiyu, was postponed due to a strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress. They are charged with conspiracy, arson, and attempting to tamper with an electric transformer. The alleged offences took place on December 20, 2021, in Kano, where they are accused of setting fire to a building used as a showroom and making a fraudulent insurance claim. The Federal High Court in Kano has rescheduled the arraignment for November 22, before Justice Muhammad Nasir-Yunusa.

Justice Dije Abdu-Aboki, the Chief Judge of Kano State, has established a performance and evaluation committee to assess the quarterly performance of Magistrates, aiming to improve the administration of justice. The announcement was made during a meeting with Magistrates in Kano, emphasizing the importance of commitment to the rule of law and warning against the abuse of office and infractions such as issuing ex-parte orders without proper application and recording.

An Upper Shari’a Court in Kano dissolved the 16-year-old marriage between Asiya Ganduje, daughter of the Kano State Governor, and Inuwa Uba through Khul’i, an Islamic means of divorce. The court ordered Asiya to return the N50,000 dowry paid by Inuwa. The judge emphasized that the conditions for Khul’i should not affect the woman adversely. The petitioner, Asiya, sought the divorce citing dissatisfaction with her marriage, while the respondent, Inuwa, raised additional conditions regarding personal belongings and joint assets.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) began distributing food items donated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) to 2,056 vulnerable households in Kano State. The initiative aims to support citizens during economic hardship, coinciding with Ramadan. The distribution includes rice, beans, flour, tomato paste, vegetable oil, seasoning cubes, and salt. The effort was praised by various officials, including representatives from NEMA, KSrelief, and the Kano State government, highlighting the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) began distributing food items donated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) to 500 vulnerable households in Kano State. The distribution, coinciding with Ramadan, includes rice, beans, flour, tomato paste, vegetable oil, and salt. NEMA's Director-General, Mustapha Habib, highlighted the importance of this aid for those affected by disasters. The initiative, supported by the Saudi Embassy, aims to alleviate the hardships faced by the beneficiaries.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) repatriated 150 Nigerians stranded in Niger, with the returnees received at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport. The repatriation was facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration under a voluntary programme for distressed Nigerians. The returnees, including men, women, and children from various Nigerian states, will undergo a three-day training for self-sustainability. Personal accounts from returnees highlighted the hardships faced during their migration attempts. NEMA officials advised against illegal migration and emphasized the importance of self-reliance.

The Kano State Police Command has invited Hon. Aliyu Sani-Madaki, member-elect of Dala Federal Constituency, for an investigation over alleged unlawful possession of a firearm. The Command's Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna-Kiyawa, confirmed that Sani-Madaki is currently at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) undergoing investigation under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, Mr. Muhammad Yakubu.

The Kano State Grand Khadi, Dr. Tijjani Ibrahim-Yakasai, has established a committee to review the case of a convict who has been awaiting amputation for 18 years. Additionally, he granted bail to 147 offenders with minor offenses to decongest the state's custodial centers. The committee, led by Upper Sharia Court Judge Malam Ibrahim Sarki-Yola, will reassess the long-standing case. The Grand Khadi and the Controller of Corrections, Kano Command, Mr. Suleiman Mohammed-Inuwa, urged the released inmates to maintain good behavior.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating to develop a national disaster risk reduction strategy and action plan for Nigeria. This initiative aims to address recurring disasters such as boat mishaps, building collapses, and urban fires. The strategy will align with the African Union's programs and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, focusing on preparedness, mitigation, and adaptation to build community and economic resilience. The workshop in Kano emphasizes the need for policy coherence, organizational culture change, and financial backing to protect against current and future disaster risks.

The Kano State Judiciary successfully disposed of 71,914 out of 102,234 cases in the 2022/2023 legal year, leaving 30,320 cases pending. Chief Judge Dije Abdu-Aboki highlighted the judiciary's efforts in translating documents and relocating courts to improve efficiency. Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf expressed his commitment to supporting the judiciary and ensuring its independence, urging newly appointed judges to remain fair and just.

The arraignment of business mogul Abdulsalam Abdulkarim-Zaura over an alleged $1.3 million fraud was postponed due to a change in defense counsel. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charged Abdulkarim-Zaura with criminal conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence. The defense requested an adjournment to prepare, which the prosecution opposed due to previous delays. The judge adjourned the case to March 1. Abdulkarim-Zaura was previously acquitted in 2020, but a fresh trial was ordered by the Kano Court of Appeal in April 2022.

The absence of three witnesses delayed the opening defense of Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) at the Kano State Election Petition Tribunal. The APC is challenging INEC's declaration of Yusuf as the winner of the March 18 election. The tribunal adjourned the case to Saturday after the witnesses faced flight issues. The APC had previously closed its case after calling 32 witnesses, and INEC closed its case on July 21. The APC is also seeking a declaration that the NNPP had no valid candidate as Yusuf's name was not on the party register submitted to INEC.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) received 146 stranded Nigerians from Niamey, Niger Republic, through a voluntary repatriation programme facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The returnees, including men, women, and children from various Nigerian states, will undergo a three-day training to achieve self-sustainability and receive seed capital. NEMA's Kano Territorial Office Coordinator, Dr. Nuraddeen Abdullahi, advised youths to avoid dangerous journeys abroad and seek opportunities within Nigeria. Returnee Emeka Njoku recounted his ordeal in Tunisia and urged the government to provide job opportunities for youths. Representatives from the Nigeria Red Cross, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, and the Police were present to receive the returnees.

The Kano Command of the NDLEA arrested 1,064 suspects and seized 7.5 tonnes of illicit drugs from June 2022 to June 2023. The seizures included cannabis, psychotropic substances, cocaine, and heroin. The agency secured 111 convictions and has 126 pending cases. The NDLEA's efforts were supported by various local governments, the Emir of Rano, NGOs, and security agencies. The statement by Acting Public Relations Officer Sadiq Maigatari highlighted the importance of treating drug users with compassion and respect, and called for renewed commitment to stop stigma and discrimination on World Drug Day.

The Kano Police Command in Nigeria, led by Commissioner Mohammed Usaini-Gumel, arrested 12 illegal immigrants from Mali and Niger Republic, along with 33 other suspects involved in various crimes. The immigrants, deported from Saudi Arabia, were found with altered fingerprints to avoid detection. Recovered items included mobile phones, sim-cards, weapons, and drugs. The suspects will face charges after investigations conclude. The commissioner praised local support in combating crime and provided emergency contact numbers for the police.

The Kano State Police Command arrested 93 suspected criminals ahead of the new governor's inauguration. The suspects included phone robbers, drug users, and other crime suspects. Recovered items included mobile phones, weapons, ATM cards, and drugs. Commissioner of Police Mohammed Usaini-Gumel praised the public for their cooperation and assured continued efforts to maintain security. He urged residents to report security incidents and provided emergency contact numbers.

A Federal High Court denied nullifying the candidature of Abia Governor-elect Dr. Alex Otti but nullified the election of Labour Party candidates in Kano. The court ruled it lacked jurisdiction over Abia candidates and emphasized compliance with the electoral act. The case was brought by Ibrahim Haruna-Ibrahim against the Labour Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

A Senior Magistrates’ Court in Kano has ordered the remand of 22-year-old Ibrahim Musa, accused of stabbing his mother, Hajara Mohammed, to death. The incident occurred on May 3, and Musa has been charged with culpable homicide. The case has been adjourned until June 27 for further mention, and the file has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

The trial of business mogul Abdulsalam Abdulkarim-Zaura, charged with a $1.3 million fraud, was stalled due to the absence of prosecution witnesses. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed charges of criminal conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence against Abdulkarim-Zaura. The defense sought a stay of proceedings pending an appeal at the Supreme Court. The court adjourned the case to May 31 and June 1 for further hearings.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kano State arrested 29 suspects for various crimes during and after the Eld-el-fitri celebrations. The suspects were found with dangerous weapons and stolen phones, and will be charged to court after investigations. NSCDC State Commandant Adamu Salihu emphasized the corps' commitment to protecting life and property, and urged residents to support security agencies by providing useful information.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kano State has deployed 2,000 personnel to ensure security during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. Commandant Adamu Salihu announced that operational orders have been issued to area commanders and divisional officers across the 44 local government areas. The personnel will collaborate with other security agencies to secure Eid prayer grounds, recreational centers, and public places. A special squad has been set up to respond to emergencies, and the public is urged to share useful security information to prevent any disturbances.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano State secured the conviction of 37 drug peddlers and users between January and March. The agency arrested 352 suspects and confiscated significant quantities of various drugs. The NDLEA has also been active in drug demand reduction efforts, sensitizing over 5,000 individuals and conducting educational programs. The agency continues to encourage public cooperation in combating drug trafficking and abuse.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has convicted 37 out of 352 suspected drug peddlers and users arrested in Kano, Nigeria, from January to March 2023. During this period, the NDLEA also seized various illegal substances, including cannabis, codeine, tramadol, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. The Kano Commander of NDLEA, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, highlighted the agency's drug demand reduction efforts, which included sensitizing over 5,000 individuals and conducting educational programs. Idris-Ahmad called for community cooperation in combating drug trafficking and abuse, affirming the agency's commitment to ensuring a drug-free society.

The Kano State Government has allocated 64 shops worth N1.4 billion to the Triumph Publishing Company as part of a Public Private Partnership agreement with Lamash Properties Limited. This allocation represents 25 percent of the shares in the newly constructed Bureau De Change Ultramodern Market in Fagge LGA. The move aims to restore the publishing company's former glory and generate revenue for both the company and the state government. Key stakeholders expressed optimism about the project's sustainability and its potential benefits.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 352 suspects and seized 2.1 tonnes of various illicit drugs in Kano State from January to March. The seizures included cannabis sativa, Codeine, Tramadol, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. NDLEA Commander Abubakar Idris-Ahmad highlighted the challenge of encouraging communities to expose drug peddlers and emphasized the importance of public cooperation to achieve a drug-free society.

Dr. Garba Abari, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), urged Nigerians to avoid electoral violence during the upcoming gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections. Speaking in Kano, Abari highlighted NOA's efforts in voter education and peace advocacy, including organizing summits, media engagements, and advocacy visits. He emphasized the importance of peaceful elections and the role of journalists in promoting democracy. The media dialogue was attended by key figures from the Nigeria Union of Journalists and other media representatives.

A Chinese national, Frank Geng-Quangrong, testified in a Kano High Court that he did not intend to kill his Nigerian girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani. He presented various exhibits, including a mobile phone, WhatsApp messages, and videos, to support his defense. The prosecution alleged that Frank stabbed Ummukulsum on September 16, 2022. The court admitted the exhibits and adjourned the case for further defense and cross-examination.

A Chinese national, Frank Geng-Quangrong, testified in a Kano High Court that he did not intend to kill his Nigerian girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani. Frank, charged with culpable homicide, presented evidence including a mobile phone, WhatsApp messages, and videos. The prosecution questioned his actions on the day of the incident, alleging he stabbed Sani. Frank claimed self-defense, stating Sani injured him. The court admitted the evidence and adjourned the case for further defense and cross-examination.

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the murder of Alhaji Dahiru Abbas, the village head of Maigari in Kano, by unknown gunmen. The incident occurred during an attempted kidnapping at Abbas's residence. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Abbas succumbed to his injuries. Efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators, with Operation Restore Peace teams actively involved. Abbas was the father of Munir Dahiru-Maigari, the Chairman of Rimin Gado Local Government.

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the murder of Alhaji Dahiru Abbas, the village head of Maigari in Rimin Gado Local Government Area, Kano. Abbas was killed by unknown gunmen during a kidnapping attempt at his residence. The Kano State Police Command's Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna-Kiyawa, stated that Abbas was shot in the chest and died at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators, with Operation Restore Peace teams actively involved. Abbas was the father of Munir Dahiru-Maigari, the Chairman of Rimin Gado Local Government.

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the murder of Alhaji Dahiru Abbas, the 70-year-old village head of Maigari in Rimin Gado Local Government Area, Kano. Abbas was attacked by unknown gunmen at his residence and shot in the chest. Despite being rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. SP Abdullahi Haruna-Kiyawa stated that efforts are underway to apprehend the assailants. The deceased was the father of Munir Dahiru-Maigari, the Chairman of Rimin Gado Local Government.

The National Agency For Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called on journalists to help combat the use of bleaching creams, highlighting the health risks and regulatory actions taken. NAFDAC's Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the need for media involvement in eradicating the issue, citing alarming statistics from the World Health Organisation. The agency aims to educate the public and enforce stringent regulations to address this national health emergency.

The National Agency For Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called on journalists to help combat the use of bleaching creams, highlighting the health risks and regulatory actions taken. NAFDAC's Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the need for media involvement in educating the public and supporting regulatory efforts. The workshop aimed to inform health journalists about the dangers of bleaching creams, which are prevalent among Nigerian women. The World Health Organisation's statistics underscore the urgency of addressing this issue, with Nigeria having the highest usage rate in Africa.

A popular Tiktok skit maker from Kano, Murja Kunya, has been remanded in a correctional center by an Upper Shari’a Court on charges of defamation, injurious falsehood, and criminal intimidation. The prosecution alleges that Kunya defamed Aisha Najamu and Ashiru Mai-Wushirya on her WhatsApp Status. Despite pleading not guilty, she will remain in custody until the hearing on February 16. Kunya faces additional charges related to a video song that allegedly violates moral laws and customs, with several other Tiktokers implicated but currently at large.

A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kano has granted bail to two Shari’a Court judges, a cashier, and 16 other financial registrars accused of stealing N580.2 million. The defendants face charges of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, theft, and forgery. The court set various bail conditions, including financial securities and affidavits. The prosecution alleges that the defendants conspired to create fake civil servants’ death benefit files and siphoned funds from the Kano State Pension Fund Trustee and the Kano State Sharia Court Appeal. The case is adjourned until February 14 for further hearing.

Umar Mohammad, a 30-year-old civil servant, was arraigned before a Kano Magistrates’ Court on charges of criminal breach of trust and cheating. The case was reported by Jibrin Mohammed after Mohammad failed to pay the full amount for a Bajaj motorcycle purchased three years ago. Despite paying half the price, efforts to recover the remaining balance were unsuccessful. Mohammad pleaded not guilty, and Magistrate Farouk Ibrahim-Umar set bail at N50,000 with a surety, adjourning the hearing to February 7.

The arraignment of business mogul Abdulsalam Abdulkarim-Zaura before a Kano Federal High Court on charges of a $1.3 million fraud was stalled due to the absence of his defense counsel, Ibrahim Garba-Waru, who was appearing in the Supreme Court for a pre-election matter. The EFCC's counsel, Aisha Habib, acknowledged the receipt of a letter from Garba-Waru. Justice Muhammad Nasir-Yunusa adjourned the case until February 6, citing the need for the defendant to have adequate time and facility to defend himself. Abdulkarim-Zaura had previously been discharged and acquitted by a Federal High Court in June 2020, but the Kano Court of Appeal Division ordered a fresh trial in April 2022.

The EFCC's Kano Zonal Command secured 166 convictions and recovered N1.4 billion in 2022, as disclosed by Zonal Commander Farouk Dogondaji during a visit from Aminu Garko, Head of the News Agency of Nigeria office in Kano. The EFCC's efforts are part of a broader initiative to involve the public in combating corruption, with changes and policies introduced under Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa. The importance of fighting corruption was emphasized, especially in the context of upcoming elections, and the need for partnership between the EFCC and NAN was highlighted.

A 63-year-old man, Yohanna Usman, was charged in a Kano Magistrates' Court for allegedly screening his son, Livinus, from legal punishment after Livinus absconded with N23.6 million belonging to Alhaji Ahmad Badawi. Usman, who stood as surety for his son, is accused of obstructing justice by concealing his son from police. The court granted Usman bail and adjourned the case for further hearing.

Inuwa Uba, husband of Asiya Ganduje, daughter of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, has set conditions for their divorce, including the return of house certificates, cars, and rights in their joint rice company. Asiya, seeking dissolution through Islamic means, is willing to return the N50,000 dowry but rejects other demands. The case, heard in an Upper Shari’a Court, has been adjourned until February 2 for judgment.

Asiya Ganduje, daughter of Kano State Governor, is determined to return the N50,000 dowry to her husband, Inuwa Uba, to dissolve their 16-year marriage through Islamic means (Khul’i). Despite her husband's additional conditions concerning his belongings and their joint rice company, Ganduje insists on the divorce. The Upper Shari’a Court, presided over by Malam Halliru Abdullahi, has adjourned the case until February 2 for judgment, following the dismissal of a preliminary objection regarding the court's jurisdiction on January 12.