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Author: Ramatu Garba

  • NAFDAC destroys substandard products worth N985m in Kano

    NAFDAC destroys substandard products worth  N985m in Kano

    Products
    By Ramatu Garba

    Kano, June 27, 2024(NAN) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control(NAFDAC) on Thursday destroyed fake, counterfeit, substandard, expired, and unwholesome regulated products worth approximately N985 million.

    The Director-General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known during the burning exercise in Kano.

    Adeyeye, represented by the Director North-West Zone NAFDAC, Mrs Josephine Dayilim, said the exercise is aimed at eradicating fake drugs and other spurious NAFDAC Regulated Products from circulation in Nigeria.

    “Removal of Substandard and Falsified Medicines (SFs) from circulation will make Nigerians healthier.

    “And since only a healthy body can contribute positively to the economy, it will make Nigerians wealthier and the economy better,” she added.

    The goods being destroyed, the director general said were Substandard, fake/falsely labelled Medicines,Unwholesome Food products and other Counterfeit seized and voluntarily received by NGOs, trade unions, Nigeria Customs Service, NAPPMED and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.

    Adeyeye said the items destroyed include medicine made up of psychoactive and controlled substance such as antibiotics, antihypertensive, antimalarials, Analgesics and herbal remedies.

    Others destroyed are Food items such as vegetable oil, non-alcoholic beverages, sachet water, condiments and tomato pastes and creams, pomade and ointments.

    Others are Chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides, agrochemicals diagnostic kits, infusion and giving sets among others.

    Adeyeye therefore , advised relevant stakeholders to adhere to all regulatory measures put in place.

    “We solicit the co-operation of the General Public, corporate bodies, religious leaders and traditional rulers in our effort to eradicate the menace of Drug and substance abuse.

    ” Health Practitioners, Community leaders, the Press and all
    stakeholders are hereby encouraged not to relent in educating their wards and
    family members on the dangers of patronizing quacks and hawkers of medicines on the street” Adeyeye said.

    The director general reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians and seeks the cooperation of Nigerians in achieving the mandate.

    NAFDAC Coordinator, in Kano State Mr Kasim Idrisa-Ibrahim, said the agency in its effort to sanitise drugs distribution , moved sellers of medicine from the chaotic open market to a Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC), at Dangwauro Kano.

    “The coordinated wholesale centre has paved way for NAFDAC to start recording successes in safeguarding the health of Nigerians” Idris-Ibrahim said (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    RG/MAM/SH

    ===========

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Sadiya Hamza

  • Exercise patience over hike in food prices, FCCPC tells Nigerians

    Exercise patience over hike in food prices, FCCPC tells Nigerians

    Prices
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 25, 2024(NAN) The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has advised Nigerians to exercise patience over the increase in food prices across the nation.

    The commission said that the Federal Government is making appropriate efforts to address the problem.

    The acting Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Dr Adamu Ahmed-Abdullahi, gave the assurance during an interactive session with traders at Dawanau and Galadima Markets in Kano on Tuesday.

    He said the visit to the markets was to interact with traders to ascertain factors responsible for the continuous hike in food prices.

    He added that “the hike in food prices has been a major worry to the present administration of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and government is making efforts to ensure things get better for Nigerians.

    “After our interactions with traders, we have been able to gather some facts that will guide the commission in advising Federal Government, in line with Section 17(b) of the FCCPC Act.

    “The commission’s concern is to tackle issues affecting consumers, especially prices of commodities to ensure fair market practices.”

    On their parts, some market union leaders and consumers attributed the continuous hike in food commodities to cost of transportation and insecurity.

    Malam Abdullahi Kasarkabasu, the Chairman of Yam Sellers in Galadima Market, Kano, said the high cost of diesel resulted to rise in transportation, which affected yam price and other food items.

    He also blamed the activities of cattle rustlers and insecurity, which discourages farming activities as other factors fuelling hike in food prices.

    Alhaji Abdulkadir Umar, the Chairman, Rice Dealers Association, Dawanau Market in Kano, said paddy rice source from villages to rice mills now cost more due to the problem of insecurity.

    He said that the hike in the cost of procurement and processing of rice resulted to low patronage as a `mudu’ (measurement plate) of rice is now sold for between N3,900 and N4,200, which is getting expensive for most consumers.

    He urged government to invest more in farming, especially by providing enough fertilizer and other inputs, as well as ensure adequate provision of security to farmers.

    A consumer, Mrs Justina Ogedo, appealed to government to act fast to save Nigerians from hunger, saying that “most consumers can no longer afford a tuber of yam due to the high price.

    “Before now, a tuber of yam was sold for between N500 and N800, but now, it is as high as N4,000 and because of the situation, we now eat twice daily.”

    Another consumer, Tunji Oyedotun, called on government to come up with fixed prices of commodities to control food prices in the country.

    “Things are becoming unbearable, government should urgently take action to save the lives of ordinary Nigerians,’’ Oyedotun appealed.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    RG/FEO/HA
    ==========
    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Misconduct: Kano Judicial Commission sanctions 3 magistrates, registrar

    Misconduct: Kano Judicial Commission sanctions 3 magistrates, registrar
    Misconduct
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken disciplinary actions against three magistrates and a registrar of the state High Court over misconduct.
    This is contained in a statement signed by the Spokesman of the Kano State Judiciary, Mr Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, on Monday in Kano.
    “The Judicial Service Commission at its 72nd meeting held on June 11, 2024, considered petitions against the three magistrates and one registrar in the state.
    “The magistrates are: Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama, Senior Magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir, Chief Magistrate Tijjani Saleh-Minjibir, and Senior Registrar Abdu Nasir.
    “These disciplinary actions underscore the Judicial Service Commission’s commitment to maintaining highest standards of judicial conduct and ensuring the integrity of the legal system,” Jibo-Ibrahim said.
    The statement said that investigation by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee in respect of three petitions filed against Makama found her guilty of misconduct.
    According to the statement, the investigation revealed that she made an order to GT Bank to transfer money in a petitioner’s account already frozen, into her personal account, and which she clearly admitted in her response.
    It said the second petition also found elements amounting to judicial bias in her handling of a matters.
    According to the statement, in the third petition, she was found to have received a case and made order to the police even before the case was assigned to her.
    “The commission subsequently held that Chief Magistrate Talatu, be recalled from the bench and relieved of all judicial duties effective immediately,” Jibo-Ibrahim said.
    He said that the commission also indicted Senior Magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir of judicial recklessness.
    “The commission has resolved to recall the magistrate and relieve her of judicial duties for a period of one calendar year and has instructed her to cease all duties at Magistrate Court No. 48,” Jibo-Ibrahim said.
    He further said that investigation revealed that Senior Registrar Abdu Nasir received payments of fees meant for court records into his personal account, which constitutes serious misconduct.
    “The commission issued a strong warning to Nasir and also deferred his promotion for one year,” the spokesman said.
    The statement added that the Commission also at its 73rd meeting, deliberated on the petitions received against Chief Magistrate Tijjani Saleh-Minjibir.
    “The response to the queries issued were found unsatisfactory and the commission viewed the actions of the magistrate amount to serious misconduct and judicial recklessness.
    “Saleh-Minjibir is recalled from judicial duties for a period of one year, effective immediately, and is ceased of all judicial activities,” Jibo-Ibrahim said.
    He said that the suspended magistrate was to report to the state High Court for posting
    The statement said the commission will continue to apply the appropriate sanctions against any erring staff particularly those saddled with judicial responsibilities.
    It said the measures was to safe guard the integrity and accountability of the judicial system and maintain the confidence of the public. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/YMU/AOS
    =============
    Edited by Yakubu Uba/Bayo Sekoni

  • Court nullifies reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano

    Court nullifies reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano
    Order
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 20, 2024(NAN) A Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Thursday nullified the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.
    Alhaji Aminu Babba-Dan’agundi, who holds the title of Sarkin Dawaki Babba, had, through his counsel, Ibrahim Aliyu-Nasarawa, filed a motion dated May 23, in which he asked the court to restrain the Kano State government from implementing the Kano State Emirate (Repeal) Law 2024.
    The law had repealed the 2019 Emirate Council law that established five emirates from the original Kano Emirate.
    With all Emirs sacked, the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, who had been sacked by the Abdullahi Ganduje administration in March 2020, was reinstated as 16th Emir to replace Aminu Ado Bayero, who was was consumed by the repeal of the law.
    Disatisfied with the development, Babba-Dangundi took the matter to court to seek a reversal of the removal of Bayero.
    The respondents were the Kano State Government, Kano State House of Assembly, Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Attorney-General of Kano State and  Commissioner of Police in Kano.
    Others are the Inspector General of Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Security Service.
    Delivering a ruling, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad-Liman declared that all actions carried out by the state government following the passage of the Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024 were null and void.
    “I hereby order that every step or actions taken by the respondents in pursuant to Kano Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024 is null and void and is set aside.
    “However, this order does not affect the validity of the law,’’ he said.
    He also ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante.
    He held that the respondents were aware of the earlier order dated May 23, to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the case.
    “I think it is a very serious matter for anyone to flout the orders of the court and go scot free with it.
    “The catastrophic situation could have been averted if the respondents followed due processes by complying with the court order, which would still have allowed them to carry out their assignments.”
    Muhammad-Liman granted the respondents’ application for stay of proceedings pending hearing and determination of their application at the court of appeal on jurisdiction.
    “I hereby transfer the case to Justice Simon Amobeda, Federal High Court 3,” he said
    Earlier, Counsel to the applicant, M. S. Waziri, had urged the court to nullify the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) law 2024.
    Counsel to Kano State House of Assembly and Speaker, Eyitayo Fatogun, told the court that he had filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal and a motion on stay of proceedings.
    Fatogun also applied to be recused from the matter, asking for an adjournment to enable his clients find another lawyer, and pending hearing and determination of his application at the court of appeal on jurisdiction.
    Counsel to Attorney General of Kano State and the State Government, Mr A. G. Wakil, aligned himself with the position of Fatogun.
    Also, Counsel to the Commissioner of Police Kano and Inspector General of Police, Mr Sunday Ekwe, told the court that the duty of the police was to maintain peace in the state, and that was why they did not file any response on jurisdiction issue.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the State House of Assembly on May 23 dissolved all the four newly created Emirate council’s in the state.
    NAN reports that Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, on May 23, dethroned the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, and reappointed Muhammad Sanusi II, as the Emir of Kano, four years after he was dethroned by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/ETS
    ======

  • Eid-el Kabir: Yusuf donates cows, food items to inmates in Kano

    Eid-el Kabir: Yusuf donates cows, food items to inmates in Kano
    Donation
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 18, 2024(NAN) Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State, has donated 12 cows and food items to inmates in all Custodial Centres in the state to celebrate Eid-el Kabir.
    Yusuf, who made the donation through the Chairperson of theState Committee for Prerogative of Mercy, Hajiya Azumi Namadi-Bebeji, said that the gesture would give the inmates a sense of belonging.
    He enjoined the inmates to be of good conduct and remain resilience as they pass through reformatory programmes.
    The governpr  commended the Nigerian Correctional Service for reforming, rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates.
     Mr Suleiman Inuwa, the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service in the state, recieved the items on behalf of the Controller-General of Correction Services, Haliru Nababa.
    Inuwa commended the state government for the gesture.
    NAN reports that some of the food items included 150 bags of  25kg rice, vegetable oil, onions and seasoning among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/JPE
    ======
    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • NDLEA intercepts 230,600 Tramadol tablets, arrests 106 suspects in Kano

    NDLEA intercepts 230,600 Tramadol tablets, arrests 106 suspects in Kano
    Arrest
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 15, 2024(NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano State Command, said it has intercepted 230,600 tablets of Tramadol and arrested 106 suspects in the state.
    Its Commander, Mr Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Saturday in Kano.
    Idris-Ahmad said, “The command between June 10 and June 13, in its operation ahead of Eid-el Kabir celebration, intercepted 230,600 Tramadol tablets along Zaria-Kano road.
    “The operations, mandated by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba-Marwa, in curbing the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria, resulted to the arrest”
    He disclosed that the agency also arrested 106 male suspects,  among which 11 were identified as major drug dealers.
    “The suspects were arrested at various drug joints in Sani Abacha Stadium, Karkasara, Sani Abacha Youth Center, Dorayi, Dan-Agundi graveyard, Brigade Mini Stadium and the infamous Filin Idi drug den”
    The exhibits recovered include: Cannabis sativa, rubber solution, suck and die, exol tablets, codeine syrup and some other illicit substances.
    “These illicit substances were intended for distribution and use during the Eid -el Kabir celebrations.
    “NDLEA Kano Command is committed to eradicating the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking,” Idris-Ahmad said
    The commander also wished the good people of Kano State a drug-free Sallah celebration and urged the public to report any drug-related activity to the nearest NDLEA office.
    ” Together, we can work towards creating a safer and healthier community for all,” Idris-Ahmad said(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Eid-el Kabir: NSCDC deploys 3,168 personnel in Kano

    Eid-el Kabir: NSCDC deploys 3,168 personnel in Kano
    Personnel
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, has deployed 3,168 personnel to ensure hitch-free Eid-el Kabir celebrations in the state.
    Its Commandant, Mr Mohammed Lawal-Falala, said in a statement issued to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of the corps, Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi, on Friday in Kano that the personnel would monitor sensitive places to prevent criminal activities or disorders during the celebration.
    He said the personnel would work with the Nigerian Police, DSS, Federal Road Safety Corps, and KAROTA to maintain law and order, as well as free flow of traffic.
    According to him, the personnel will provide maximum security at various Mosques, recreational centres, nooks and crannies throughout the festive period and after.
    He urged officers and men to ensure protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, as enshrined in the Act establishing the corps.
    He enjoined the public to cooperate with security agents, obey laid down laws for peaceful Eid-el Kabir celebrations in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    All is now set for Muslims across the world to celebrate eid el-kabir (the festival of sacrifice) on Sunday, after Hajj pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat on Saturday.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/AYO/HA
    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Court orders Kano Govt to pay emir Bayero N10m over rights violation

    Court orders Kano Govt  to pay emir Bayero N10m over rights violation
    Order
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 14, 2024(NAN) A Federal High Court on Friday, ordered the Kano State government to pay N10 million in damages to the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, for breaching his fundamental human rights.
    Ado-Bayero, through his counsel M L Yusufari SAN, filed a motion exparte dated May 27, seeking the court to restrain the state government  from arresting, intimidating or infringing on his rights.
    The other respondents are the Attorney General of the Federation, Attorney General Kano, Nigeria Police, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Kano, State Security Service, NSCDC, Nigeria Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Airforce.
    Delivering judgment, Justice Simon Amobeda, described the order given by Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, directing the police to arrest the 15 emir , without any lawful justification is a threatening the fundamental rights of the applicant.
    This, the judge held is guaranteed under Section 35(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as altered).
    “The act of the governor has forced the applicant into house arrest, preventing him from going freely about his lawful business, constitutes a flagrant violation of his fundamental right to freedom of movement as guaranteed under Section 41(1)
    of the 1999 Constitution,” he held.
    He restrained the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th respondents either by themselves, their agents,servants, privies, or any other person from arresting,
    detaining, threatening, intimidating and  harassing the applicant or further interfering with the applicant’s fundamental rights.

    “The prayer for the cost of filing and
    prosecuting this suit is refused, the amount having not been specifically pleaded and strictly proved” Amobeda said
    Earlier, the second Counsel to the applicant, Mr Michael Jonathan, SAN, said that the court had jurisdiction to entertain and hear the case as it is a fundamental rights suit.
    Jonathan urged the court to dismiss the respondent preliminary objection for been unmeritorious and abuse to the court.
    Counsel to the Kano State Attorney-General,  Mahmoud Abubakar-Magaji, SAN, urged the court to dismiss and strike out the entire process particularly the originating summons of the applicant motion on Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024 and fundamental right.
    He argued that the court has no jurisdiction to entertain the case and urged the court to set aside the exparte order it earlier granted retraining the respondents from arresting, intimidating or harassing the applicant.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the State House of Assembly on May 23, dissolved all the four newly created Emirate council’s in the state.
    NAN reports that Gov. Kabir-Yusuf, on May 23, dethroned Ado-Bayero, and reappointed Sanusi II, as the Emir of Kano, four years after he was dethroned by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/SH
    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • FG to upgrade correctional centres – Interior Minister

    FG pledges to upgrade correctional centres – Interior Minister
    Centres
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 13, 2024 (NAN)  The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment towards upgrading the nation’s correctional Centres.
    Tunji-Ojo made the disclosure shortly after an assessment tour of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre Janguza in Kano, Kano.
    He said that President Bola Ahmed was keen on improving the quality of the correctional centres.
    “From what we have seen, it is a good work in progress. We will upgrade the system in line with the agenda of the renewed hope of Mr President.”
    According to him, the federal government will also create a world-class correctional system that is reformatory and transformational in nature.
    “The correctional centres will be a place where people learn, their lives will be transformed in the national interest and the rate of recidivism will be zero, and the national security architecture can be better enhanced,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng
    RG/EAL
    =====
    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Emirship tussle: Court affirms jurisdiction to hear Bayero’s rights suit

    Emirship tussle: Court affirms jurisdiction to hear Bayero’s rights suit

    Jurisdiction
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 13, 2024(NAN) A Federal High Court on Thursday, ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear the human rights violation case filed by the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and senior councillor, Aminu Dan’agundi.
    Justice A M Liman, of a Federal High Court in Kano, said the court has jurisdiction to hear and determine the case instituted by  Dan’agundi, against the implementation of Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024.
     Dan’agundi,(Sarkin Dawaki Babba), through his counsel, Ibrahim Aliyu-Nasarawa, filed a motion exparte dated May 23.
    The applicant is seeking the court to restrain the respondents from enforcing, implementing and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate repeal law and reinstating Emir Muhammad Sanusi II.
    The respondents in the suit are the  Kano State Government, Kano State House of Assembly, Speaker Kano State House of Assembly, Attorney-General of Kano State and  Commissioner of Police Kano.
    Others are the Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Security Service.
    Justice Liman, in a ruling held that the court has jurisdiction to entertain the matter bothering on the applicant’s fundamental rights relying on section 42  (1) and Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
    He adjourned the matter until June 14, for hearing of all pending application.
    Earlier, Counsel to the applicant, Mr M S Waziri, argued that the court has jurisdiction to entertain and hear the fundamental right suit to fair hearing.
    “The applicant ought to have been involved as a member of the Kano State Kingmakers in reinstating the new emir of Kano”
    Counsel to the Kano State Government and Attorney-General of Kano, Mahmoud Abubakar-Magaji, SAN, urged the court to decline jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
    NAN reports that the court had on May 23, granted an Interim Injunction order directing parties to maintain status quo ante,the passage and assent of the bill pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.
    The court also restrained the 5th to 8th respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024.
    NAN reports that Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, on May 23, dethroned Emir Aminu Ado-Bayero, and reappointed Sanusi II, as the Emir of Kano, four years after he was dethroned by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/SH
    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza