By: Lamara Garba

The Kano State Government is considering plans to establish a state-owned airline as part of efforts to expand its economic base, enhance transportation services and create new sources of revenue for the state.

Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf disclosed this while addressing Kano pilgrims in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

According to the Governor, the proposal is informed by the strategic importance of the aviation industry in the global economy and its immense potential to contribute to the socio-economic development of Kano State.

“We are thinking of floating an airline company for the state, and this will help in flying the flag of our dear state as well as serving the interests of the people and the government of Kano,” Governor Yusuf stated.

The Governor explained that beyond its commercial value, a state-owned airline would provide Kano with greater flexibility in transportation planning, facilitate business activities and improve connectivity with other parts of Nigeria and the international community.

He noted that the aviation sector remains one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide, contributing significantly to trade, tourism, investment and job creation. According to him, Kano, being a historic commercial centre and one of the largest states in Nigeria, stands to benefit enormously from investments in air transportation.

Governor Yusuf further revealed that the proposed airline could, in the future, play a vital role in the transportation of pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah operations, reducing logistical challenges and ensuring more efficient service delivery for intending pilgrims from the state.

While appealing to Kano pilgrims currently in the Holy Land to remain calm and patient ahead of their return journey, the Governor assured them that adequate arrangements were being made to ensure a smooth and hitch-free airlift operation expected to commence on June 24.

“Our administration remains committed to exploring innovative ways of improving service delivery, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the economic foundations of Kano State. We believe that investments in strategic sectors such as aviation will open new windows of opportunity for our people and generate sustainable revenue for government,” he added.

Observers say the proposed airline project reflects the administration’s broader vision of transforming Kano into a modern economic hub capable of attracting investment, supporting commerce and enhancing the state’s competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected world.

The initiative, if successfully implemented, is expected to complement ongoing efforts by the administration in infrastructure development, commerce, education, healthcare and human capital development, while positioning Kano as a major player in Nigeria’s aviation and transportation industry.

Allegations of bias, abuse of authority, and denial of justice have sparked public concern in Kano State following complaints surrounding the detention of a young girl in a case handled by a Hisbah Court.

The controversy has generated widespread debate, with concerned citizens calling on relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case and establish the facts.

According to reports, the matter originated from a dispute involving two women, which eventually attracted the attention of law enforcement authorities. However, despite indications that the parties involved were willing to reconcile, allegations emerged that efforts were made to pursue the case aggressively against one of the parties.

Reports cited by local sources alleged that a former judge, identified as Idris Yahya, popularly known as “Mai Hannu Daya,” may have influenced the handling of the matter. Complainants claimed that arrangements were allegedly made before the girl’s appearance in court to ensure that she would be remanded in custody.

The allegations have raised questions about whether personal connections or undue influence played a role in the judicial process.

According to members of the girl’s family, she was remanded in a correctional facility shortly after being arraigned before the Hisbah Court despite her young age. They alleged that repeated efforts to secure her release on bail were unsuccessful, as requests for bail were reportedly denied.

The family further claimed that after the court resumed from a weekend break, the girl was returned to custody and spent additional days in detention before bail was eventually granted.

The development has left the family distressed, with relatives arguing that the treatment meted out to the girl was excessive considering the nature of the dispute.

Legal observers have warned that if the allegations are proven, the case could raise serious concerns about public confidence in the justice system.

According to them, one of the greatest threats to the rule of law is the perception that influential individuals can affect judicial outcomes while vulnerable citizens are denied fair treatment.

Some commentators also argued that the matter extends beyond a simple disagreement between individuals, touching on the credibility of institutions entrusted with protecting the rights of citizens.

They stressed that whenever allegations emerge suggesting that powerful individuals may have influenced judicial proceedings, authorities have a responsibility to conduct transparent investigations to dispel doubts and maintain public trust.

Legal analysts and concerned residents have therefore called on the Kano State Government and relevant judicial authorities to launch an independent investigation into the case.

They said the public deserves to know whether due process was followed and whether the detention of the young girl complied with established legal procedures and principles of justice.

The complainants maintained that failure to address the allegations could reinforce perceptions that ordinary citizens do not enjoy equal treatment under the law.

They further argued that anyone found to have abused public office, manipulated judicial processes, or used their position to oppress vulnerable individuals should be held accountable in accordance with the law.

MAAUN Group of Universities has congratulated the Vice Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano, Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero, on her 56th birthday.

The congratulatory message was contained in a statement on Thursday released by the Founder of the universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, in Kano, Nigeria.

Prof. Gwarzo, who doubles as the President of the Association of Africa Private Universities (AAPU), said Prof. Salihi Bayero deserved to be celebrated on this significant milestone.

“It is with immense gratitude to Almighty Allah we congratulate a distinguished scholar and the first female VC of Northwest University, Kano , Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero on this auspicious occasion.

“On behalf of the management of MAAUN Group, I wish to extend our heartfelt felicitations to Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero on this important milestone,” Prof. Gwarzo said.

He described the celebrant as an epitome of scholarship and humility who served in various academic and administrative capacities, praying for her long life and good health to enable her continue with the good work she has been doing in the university.

The MAAUN Founder also prayed to almighty Allah to guide and give the celebrant the wisdom to uplift the institution to an enviable position.