Connect with us

News

Kano Profiles 718 Political Thugs in Fight Against Phone Snatching — Commissioner Waiya

Published

on

 

In a renewed effort to curb the alarming surge in phone snatching and related criminal activities, the Kano State Government has announced that 718 political thugs have been profiled through its “Operation Safe Corridor” initiative. This move, officials say, is a key component of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration’s strategy to tackle insecurity in the state.

This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, during a one day stakeholder engagement meeting held in Kano between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the state government. The event focused on addressing phone snatching, insecurity, and related challenges as part of broader efforts to promote socio-economic development held at the conference hall of the ministry of Transport.

In his presentation titled “Insecurity Around Phone Snatching and Theft: The Role of Civil Society,” Comrade Waiya lamented the rise of street thuggery and resurgence of the “Yan Daba” phenomenon within Kano’s urban areas. He said, “The issue started under the previous administration and has now grown into a serious social crisis we are currently battling.”

Commissioner Waiya addressing the Press during the session

Commissioner Waiya addressing the Press during the session

The commissioner explained that the state government recognizes the vital role of civil society in reversing this trend and has consequently approved consistent engagement with CSOs, particularly those focusing on security and community development.

Advert

He also criticized the former administration, accusing it of institutionalizing thuggery by empowering political miscreants. “The past government did not only tolerate the menace but gave it structural backing. We are now left to clean up the mess,” Waiya remarked.

According to the commissioner, the current administration has taken bold steps by establishing the “Safe Corridor” to engage with repentant political thugs and reintegrate them into society. “We don’t just arrest or prosecute; we engage them, understand their motivations, and get them to key into peace building processes,” he added.

He emphasized that the collaboration with civil society is not intended to politicize their activities but to work together in finding a sustainable solution. “Phone snatching has become a critical issue, and the government is keen on tackling it from its roots,” Waiya affirmed.

Highlighting the government’s institutional commitment, he revealed that two top officials are actively overseeing the program the Commissioner of Internal Security and the Director General of Special Services. “Their roles are to ensure that this operation is not cosmetic but delivers concrete security outcomes,” he noted.

Speaking at the event, Hassan Ibrahim Gama of the Patriotic Forum, a Kano-based CSO, echoed the need for collaboration between the government and enlightened segments of society. “No society can develop without the informed contributions of its civil population. Our involvement is crucial,” he said.

He also pointed out that phone snatching is only one of the vices troubling Kano, stressing the need for holistic approaches that tackle youth unemployment, drug abuse, and poor urban planning, which he said contribute to criminal behavior.

Also contributing, Rakiya Abba Tahula of the Interfaith Peace Foundation called for empowering local leadership structures to participate in the fight against phone snatching. “Those committing these crimes live among us. Empowering ward heads (masu unguwanni) with legislative support will enhance community policing efforts,” she said.

Rakiya noted that traditional leaders are closest to the grassroots and can play a significant role in identifying and curbing criminal tendencies among youth. “We need to return to neighborhood accountability where every stranger or deviant is known and addressed,” she urged.

The stakeholder meeting concluded with a collective commitment by government officials and civil society actors to continue working together in fostering a safer Kano through structured engagements, community empowerment, and rehabilitation of vulnerable youth.

News

Court Restrains Anti-Corruption Commission, Others from interfering in MAAUN’s Affairs

Published

on

Court Sign

 

A Kano High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) and four other parties from interfering in the internal and external affairs of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (AAUN), Kano.

Justice Sanusi Ado Ma’aji of the High court of Kano Judicial Division issued the order, while ruling on a motion of ex parte filed by the management of the university.

The respondents in the suit are the Kano State Government, PCACC, Kano State House of Assembly and the state’s Attorney-General and concerned parents of the institution.

Justice Ma’aji in the court order dated December 11, 2025, restrained the respondents or any other person acting on their behalf from inviting officials of the institution or interfering in the administrative and academic activities of the intuition, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Advert

The court also directed all the parties to maintain status quo in relation to the matter between the applicant and the first respondent, pending the determination of the originating summons.

Speaking after the ruling, MAAUN’s counsel Zahraddeen M. Bello, said that the court’s decision reaffirmed the rule of law and the need for due process, saying the university will continue to operate within the confines of law, while the case is pending.

However, the court granted leave to the applicant to serve court processes on the fifth respondent at its office located at No. 224 Sabo Bakin Zuwo, Kano.

The matter was adjourned to December 29, 2025 and the order was given under the hand and seal of the presiding judge and was duly endorsed by the Principal Registrar of the court.

Continue Reading

News

Jigawa Trains Local Government Chairmen on 2025 Tax Reform Act

Published

on

 

The Jigawa Joint Task Committee has commenced a two-day capacity-building training for local government chairmen and policymakers. The two-day capacity program focused on the new Nigeria Tax Reform Act (NTA) 2025, which is scheduled to take effect nationwide on January 1, 2026.

The training gathered a contingent of state and local revenue stakeholders, including all 27 local government chairmen of Jigawa State, led by the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), revenue officers, and key policy and tax experts.

The core objective of the session was multifaceted: to enhance understanding of the NTA 2025 and its specific implications for local government administration, strengthen collaboration between state and local tiers for revenue harmonization and joint administration, and improve the technical capacity of local government leaders in deploying modern revenue processes and digital systems.

During the event, the Executive Chairman of the Jigawa Internal Revenue Service (JIRS), Dr. Nasir Sabo Idris, commended the state government’s leadership for its commitment to fiscal autonomy.

“I wish to acknowledge the immense support of His Excellency, Governor Malam Umar Namadi, FCA,” Dr. Idris said.

Advert

According to Dr. Idris, Jigawa Governor’s commitment to revenue generation has been unwavering, ensuring a consistent improvement in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Dr. Idris pointed out that the upcoming launch of JigiTax, a wholly digital platform designed to streamline and modernize revenue collection across Jigawa State, is underway.

He said the move is seen as a direct response to strengthening transparency and blocking revenue leakages.

On his part, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Local Government, Ibrahim Graba Hannun-Giwa, whose address was delivered by the Director of Research, Malam Samaila Yusuf, said:

“The Ministry of Local Government is doing all it takes to continue supporting the visionary policies of Governor Namadi and driving policies that will shore up the revenue base of our local governments,” Malam Yusuf stated, emphasizing a unified approach to fiscal strength.

The dividends of the collaborative efforts were highlighted by the ALGON Chairman, who also serves as the Chairman of Dutse Local Government.

Speaking to newsmen, he asserted that the state’s disciplined approach had fundamentally altered the financial landscape at the grassroots level.

“With the commitment shown by Governor Namadi and the diligent efforts of the Jigawa Joint Revenue Committee, no local government in Jigawa now seeks intervention,” the ALGON Chairman declared.

He said, “Revenue loopholes are being systematically blocked, and improved compliance by different stakeholders, including markets and motor parks remitting their taxes, has significantly boosted our revenue drive.”

He further confirmed that the local governments had already undertaken a series of awareness trainings for all relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition to the NTA 2025.

Barrister Aliyu Abdullahi said the in a paper presentation titled “State and Local Government in the Law,” by a legal practitioner. The paper specifically called for the legislative institutionalization of the Jigawa Joint Revenue Committee by the State House of Assembly. This institutional backing, the practitioner argued, would solidify the collaborative framework for revenue harmonization and ensure its longevity beyond the current administration.

 

Continue Reading

News

Former President Obasanjo Endorses Turaki’s Faction of PDP

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo hosted the national working committee (NWC) of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

The PDP faction visited the former president on Saturday, and Kabiru Turaki led the delegation.

Advert

Those among the delegation are: Muazu Aliyu, former Niger governor; Jonah Jang, former governor of Plateau; Adolphus Wabara, former senate president, and many more.

Interacting with the delegation, Obasanjo commended the faction’s effort, adding that its members should “soldier on”.

The former president also urged the faction to remain steadfast in instilling discipline in the party, adding that:

“anybody who wants to belong to a political party must adhere strictly to its rules and regulations”.

Continue Reading

Trending