News

CSO Raises Concerns Over Police Invitation to Kano Emir

Published

1 year ago

April 6, 2025

The Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the recent invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, by the Nigeria Police Force. The group described the move as suspicious, given that the matter in question is already under investigation by the Kano State Police Command.

In a statement released on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the group highlighted the contents of the invitation letter dated April 4, 2025. The letter, signed by Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, Commissioner of Police (OPS), on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Department, requested the Emir’s presence at Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The letter stated that the invitation was in relation to an incident that occurred during the recent Sallah celebration in Kano.

Commissioner Ibitoye explained in the letter, “I have the directives of the Inspector General of Police through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) to invite you for an investigative meeting with regards to an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within your domain.”

The Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria expressed surprise and disbelief at the invitation, noting that the only known incident during the Sallah celebration was an attack on the Emir’s entourage. The attack, which occurred along Kofar Wambai after the Eid prayer at the Kofar Mata Eid prayer ground, was declared an assassination attempt on Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Following the attack, the Kano State Police Command announced the arrest of Sagiru Usman, a 20-year-old resident of Sharifai Quarters, as one of the suspected attackers. The incident led to the tragic death of Surajo Rabiu, a vigilante member from Sabon Titi in Jaba area of Kano. Additionally, the Kano Police Command launched an investigation and invited Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Isyaku Wada, the Emir’s chief guard, for questioning over the security breach.

The Assembly questioned the rationale behind the Police High Command in Abuja intervening in a matter already being handled by the Kano State Police Command. “It is confusing and unimaginable that despite the ongoing investigation by the Kano State Command of the Nigeria Police, the Police High Command in Abuja extended an invitation to the Emir in connection to the same matter. This is curious,” the statement read.

While acknowledging the authority of the Police to summon any Nigerian regardless of status, the Assembly expressed suspicion over the timing and motive behind the invitation. The group pointed to lingering disputes over the Kano Emirate throne, suggesting that the invitation might be influenced by individuals seeking to destabilize the region.

“We are of the view that this invitation to Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II by the Police High Command is an affront on our revered traditional institution, whose custodian and identity is the Emir. We call on the Police to refrain from being used by selfish individuals whose known trade is causing trouble and destabilizing Kano,” the statement added.

Despite earlier concerns about potential security threats during the Sallah celebration, the occasion concluded peacefully. However, the Assembly warned that the Police invitation could provoke unrest among the Emir’s subjects, who hold him in high esteem. “Such an invitation can be seen as desecration of the revered institution and is therefore reprehensible,” the group concluded.

The statement was signed by Alhaji Yahya Nda Musa, National Coordinator of the Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria.

News

Just In:President Tinubu Sacks Minister Of Finance

Published

3 hours ago

April 21, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council.

According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, two cabinet members, Mr. Wale Edun and Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa are to leave the cabinet while their replacements have been named.

Edun, until the latest development, was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. He has been directed to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele who is now to take over as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.

Also Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD .) has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.

The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry.

The memo stated that “all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before close of business on Thursday 23rd April, 2026.”

Explaining the President’s decision, Akume said: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).

The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.

The President, Akume noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”

Signed:

Yomi Odunuga,
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation

21-04-2026

News

JUST IN: FG Files 13 Count Charges Against Alleged Coup Plotters

Published

11 hours ago

April 21, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. Among those named in the suit are a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three other suspects.

According to security sources, the coup was scheduled to be executed on Nigeria’s Independence Day. However, the plot was uncovered after preparations and plans were leaked, leading to its successful disruption.

The development prompted the Federal Government to cancel the Independence Day programme—a move described as highly unusual by political observers.

News

BIKOBA Mourns EX-NFA Chairman, Ibrahim Galadima

Published

12 hours ago

April 21, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

The leadership, and the entire members of Birnin-Kudu Old Boys Association (BIKOBA) mourn the passing of the former president of the Association, and former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, who died Saturday, the 18th of April 2026, after a protracted illness.

Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, who died at the age of 78, was the fourth president of BIKOBA, having served two consecutive terms between 1993-1997, and being a member of ’71 class chapter of the Association.

Remarking on the passing of the elderstateman, President of BIKOBA, Alhaji Ja’afar Usman Muhammad (Turakin Gaya), described him as an astute football administrator and one of the most influential figures in Nigerian sports.
He said, after diligently serving BIKOBA as it’s fourth president, late Ibrahim Galadima had also served in various capacities at national and sub-national levels, as one time Commissioner of Information, Kano State while noting that his tenure as Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (2002–2006), was full of success stories, culminating to the growth and develpoment of sporting sub sector in Nigeria.

He similarly served with distinction as the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, where he played a vital role in promoting sports at both grassroots and elite levels, said BIKOBA President.

“Being one of the founding fathers of Kano Pillars FC, late Galadima also laid a solid foundation for the club’s growth into a dominant force in Nigerian football, adding that, his legacy, leadership, and passion for the game will continue to be remembered in the history of the club”

The president, on behalf of the executive committee and entire members of BIKOBA, extends heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, his friends, the government, the good people of Kano State, as well as the entire Nigerian football community over the irreparable loss.

In a statement signed by National publicity secretary of the association Malam Mahmud Ibrahim Kwari said BIKOBA also prays that Almighty Allah grants late Ibrahim Galadima Aljannatul Firdaus, Ameen.