The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has summoned the emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to appear at the Police Force Intelligent Headquarters, Abuja, over an alleged infraction against the ban on Eid-el-Fitr Sallah Durbar.

Emir Sanusi received notice of a meeting for an investigation a few minutes after the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, visited the 15th Emir Aminu Ado Bayero at the Nassarawa mini palace, Kano.

In a letter dated 4th of April 2025, signed by a Commissioner of Police, operations at the Police Force Intelligent Department (FID), CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoyo, the IGP directed emir Sanusi to appear at the FID headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 8th, 2025 for investigation.

The invitation may not be unconnected to the bloody attack on the emir’s security detail on Sallah day by one person allegedly belonging to violent “yan daba” group, where one of the vigilantes attached to the emir was stabbed to death while several others sustained injuries.

Meanwhile, police command in Kano have confirmed the arrest of a 20-year-old suspect linked to the stabbing saying investigation to unravel the cause of the attack had since launched.

The IGP invite however reads ” I have the directive of the IGP through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), to invite you for investigative meeting with regards to an incident that occurred during the Salah celebration within your domain.

“Given the above, we hereby invite you to the Force Intelligent Department, opposite force headquarters, Area 11 Abuja, by 10am on Tuesday 8th April 2025. Your availability is highly sought for a purposeful investigation”. the read.

About 48 hours to Eid-el-Fitr Sallah celebration, the police authority in Kano imposed ban on Sallah Durbar citing security intelligence of possible hijack of the activities by hoodlums to perpetrate unrest in the city.

The police specifically prohibited horse rides, car race and reckless driving in the city and threatened to deal ruthlessly against violators of the order. And in compliance with the police directive however, Sanusi had announced the cancellation of all preparation for Sallah durbar where he admitted the decision of the police was in best interest of Kano.

Ganduje who arrived Kano on Saturday amid heavily armed security personnel declared that Bayero, 15th emir of Kano reserved the right to conduct Sallah Durbar considering the recent ruling of the court, he however commended him for deemed it necessary to cancel his event.

“We also want to use this opportunity to congratulate His Highness on the Eid El Fitr celebration and to also thank you profoundly especially for the steps you took when the state was on the verge of falling into crises following the court ruling that instructed the former status quo of the Emirate to be maintained, meaning that the Emir of Kano remains His Highness Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.

“On the other hand, the one claiming to be the Emir, the court has clearly rules that he is not the Emir of Kano. Therefore, the status quo will be maintained. Hence, the rightful person to have performed the annual Sallah Durbar is His Highness Aminu Ado Bayero”, Ganduje declared.

Nigeria’s total public debt rose to N144.67 trillion ($94.23 billion) as of December 31, 2024, reflecting a significant increase of 48.58% compared to N97.34 trillion ($108.23 billion) recorded at the end of December 2023.

This latest figure was disclosed by the Debt Management Office (DMO) in its report on the country’s public debt profile.

The report also indicated a quarter-on-quarter rise of 1.65% from the N142.32 trillion ($88.89 billion) recorded at the end of September 2024, highlighting the continued increase in the nation’s debt burden within the final quarter of the year.

Year-on-year analysis 

An analysis of Nigeria’s public debt on a year-on-year basis reveals a notable increase of N47.32 trillion, representing a 48.58% rise from December 2023 to December 2024.

The surge in public debt was driven primarily by significant increases in both external and domestic borrowings.

Nigeria’s external debt rose substantially by 83.89% from N38.22 trillion ($42.50 billion) in December 2023 to N70.29 trillion ($45.78 billion) in December 2024.

The Federal Government’s domestic debt component rose significantly from N53.26 trillion to N70.41 trillion, a growth of 32.19%. This increase reflects the government’s continued reliance on local borrowing to finance budget deficits and infrastructure projects.

Conversely, the domestic debt owed by states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) saw a reduction from N5.86 trillion to N3.97 trillion, representing a decline of 32.27%.

The reduction in state-level borrowing indicates a cautious approach by some subnational governments towards debt accumulation within the year.

Quarter-on-quarter analysis 

The marginal rise within the quarter was driven by increases in both external and domestic debt components.

External debt grew by N1.4 trillion, moving from N68.89 trillion ($43.03 billion) as of the end of September 2024 to N70.29 trillion ($45.78 billion) in December 2024.

The increase within the quarter was influenced by additional foreign loans obtained in the last three months of the year, alongside the further weakening of the naira against major international currencies.

On the domestic front, debt rose slightly by 1.29%, from N73.43 trillion ($45.87 billion) in September 2024 to N74.38 trillion ($48.44 billion) by the end of December. The Federal Government’s domestic debt increased from N69.22 trillion to N70.41 trillion within the quarter.

However, domestic debt attributed to states and the FCT reduced from N4.21 trillion to N3.97 trillion, reflecting a 5.69% decrease.

Debt composition 

As of December 2024, external debt constituted 48.59% of Nigeria’s total public debt, while domestic debt made up 51.41%, indicating a relatively balanced debt structure.

However, the continued increase in external borrowings suggests a growing reliance on foreign debt to bridge budgetary shortfalls

The breakdown of external debt shows that the Federal Government accounted for N62.92 trillion ($40.98 billion), while states and the FCT held N7.37 trillion ($4.80 billion).

In the domestic debt segment, the Federal Government held N70.41 trillion ($45.86 billion), with states and the FCT accounting for N3.97 trillion ($2.58 billion).

What you should know 

The rise in public debt has sparked concerns among economic analysts, given the potential implications for Nigeria’s fiscal stability.

The sharp increase, particularly in external debt, highlights the vulnerability of the nation’s finances to exchange rate fluctuations and changes in global economic conditions. With the naira’s continued depreciation, the cost of servicing foreign debt could escalate, placing additional strain on the country’s financial resources.

The government’s dependence on both external and domestic borrowing to fund critical projects points to underlying fiscal challenges, including revenue shortfalls and the need for substantial infrastructure investments.

While domestic debt remains the larger component of the debt portfolio, the significant growth in external liabilities underlines the importance of a balanced approach to debt management, particularly in light of Nigeria’s limited foreign exchange earnings

Naira Metrics

As part of its ongoing commitment to healthcare access and community welfare, the Suleiman Yahyah Foundation has successfully delivered free medical services to thousands of Nigerians in Maska, Funtua Local Government Area, Katsina State.

The medical outreach featured a comprehensive healthcare intervention including free consultations, diagnostic tests, essential medications, and hepatitis vaccinations, with a special focus on women and children.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Foundation, Alhaji Suleiman Yahyah, described the initiative as a fulfilment of his duty to support the less privileged, in accordance with Islamic injunctions.

“The Foundation was established 16 years ago to support the poor and vulnerable, and we remain committed to that mission,” Yahyah stated.
He added: “As a businessman, we give back through zakat and various philanthropic programs that uplift communities.”

The event witnessed the participation of medical professionals from Kaduna and Funtua, offering services to individuals suffering from a range of medical conditions.

The Maska intervention is the latest in a series of free medical outreaches previously carried out by the Foundation, including programmes in Sardauna Crescent, Kaduna North Local Government in 2021, Akko Community in Gombe State in 2022, and several other locations.
Commending the initiative, the District Head of Funtua and Monarch of Maska, Alhaji Mainasara Idris, noted: “This outreach reflects a deep commitment to humanitarian service. Alhaji Suleiman Yahyah is a God-fearing patriot whose compassion continues to transform lives in Maska and beyond. May Allah reward him richly.”

Lawal Hamisu Maska, Head of Primary Healthcare in Maska, described the outreach as one of the largest health interventions in recent memory.

“I have never seen such a turnout. The number of people treated, and the quality of care provided were outstanding. We are truly grateful,” he said.

Several beneficiaries also expressed their appreciation.

Audu Hamisu Maska, who received treatment for hypertension and ulcer, said: “All services were provided free of charge. I pray Allah blesses the founder abundantly.”

Aminu Ango, another beneficiary, added: “I received treatment for an eye problem and pelvic pain, all at no cost. May Allah grant him more strength and resources.”

Halimatu Alhaji Ado, who received treatment for an ovarian ailment, also remarked: “This support came at the right time. I didn’t pay anything and I’m already feeling better.”