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Rising Tensions in Kano as Police Summon Sanusi for Interrogation

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Kano is currently experiencing heightened tensions following a formal request from the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, for Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, to appear at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Speculation surrounds this invitation, with many believing it may be linked to an attack on the Emir’s entourage during recent Sallah celebrations. The state police have detained Usman Sagiru in connection with the alleged murder of vigilante member Surajo Rabiu, which occurred during the assault on Emir Sanusi II’s entourage.

Additionally, another vigilante, Aminu Suleman, was injured in the incident and subsequently taken to Murtala Muhammed Specialists Hospital in Kano for treatment. According to SP Abdullahi Haruna, the state police command spokesman, the violence erupted while local guards were escorting the Emir’s entourage from the Kofar Mata Eid prayer ground after the observance of the two rakat eid-el-fitr prayers.

The invitation letter, dated April 2, 2025, and referenced with number CR:3000/FID/FHQ/ABJ/VOL59/697, was issued by Commissioner of Police Olajide Rufus Ibitoye on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the FID in Abuja. The letter states: “I have the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), to invite you for an investigative meeting regarding an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebrations within your domain.”

The official summons has ignited apprehension throughout Kano City and surrounding areas, with some locals interpreting it as a potential attempt by the federal government to impose a state of emergency in the region. A resident from the Dorayi quarters, who requested anonymity, remarked, “We perceive this invitation as an affront to our traditional institution and an effort to intimidate our Emir by the police, who failed to ensure our safety on Sallah day.”

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He urged President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to prevent the police from instigating unrest in Kano State. Another anonymous resident expressed worries that the invitation could escalate tensions and possibly lead to a state of emergency. “What transpired on Sallah day was not a Durbar but rather a customary procession of the Emir from his palace to the Mosque, where it is normal for him to ride a horse, rather than walk,” he stated.

He cautioned against disrupting the peace in Kano, asserting, “Summoning Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II over trivial matters constitutes a violation of his fundamental human rights, and it will be met with resistance from the community.”

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National

Kaduna Will Soon Be A One-Party State – Gov Sani

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Kaduna state Governor Uba Sani declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will continue to dominate the state, saying it would soon become a one-party state.

The Governor disclosed that about four members of the House of Representatives from the opposition parties had decamped to the APC, adding that members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly from different zones had also decamped to the party.

Governor Uba Sani, who spoke at Zaria on Monday, argued that the defection of opposition members to the APC “is a good sign, and that shows that we are doing something positive; we are carrying everyone along in Kaduna state.”

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas distributed 117 vehicles, comprising 20 Hilux, 2 ambulances, 20 18-seater buses, 50 Sharon vehicles, and 25 sedan/saloon cars (Golf, Corolla & Peugeot 406). At the same time, 200 tricycles, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, and 1,000 motorcycles were given to various beneficiaries.

At the event, Governor Sani praised Speaker Abbas, saying that Kaduna State and the entire country are proud of his stewardship. He added that the laudable projects he was interested in in the state had his blessings.

In his address, Speaker Abbas thanked his constituents for their continued support and noted that he would do his best to attract people-oriented projects to them.

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NBA Replies Rivers Government Says N300 Was A Gift

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) says the money received from Rivers state government for the 2025 annual general conference (AGC) was a “gift”.

A statement issued on Monday by Emeka Obegolu, chairman of the AGC planning committee, said the legal body did not sell the hosting rights for the conference.

Earlier, the Rivers government, under the leadership of Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator, asked the NBA to refund the N300 million allegedly paid for the “hosting rights” of the conference by the state.

The government said if the NBA was truly anchored on principles, it should demonstrate it by returning the money.

The decision of the state government came after the NBA moved the AGC from Port Harcourt in Rivers state to Enugu.

The association premised its decision on “constitutional violations” in Rivers following the declaration of emergency rule in the state by President Bola Tinubu in March.

Responding to the comment of the Rivers government, the NBA said there was no bidding process or payment before the announcement of Rivers as the host of the conference.

The NBA explained that due to the huge cost of organising the conference, the legal body approaches individuals and state governments for “unconditional” support.

“We wish to clarify that the decision to host the 2025 AGC in Port Harcourt was taken in August 2024 and was not subject of any bidding process or payment of any hosting rights,” the statement reads.

“The host city has no hosting right and there is no representation by the NBA that the Conference must be held in a chosen city.
“Traditionally, because of the enormous cost involved in hosting the AGC, NBA Conference Planning Committee approaches organizations, agencies of government and state governments for support and the support requested for is unconditional and not tied to hosting rights or any rights whatsoever.

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“Recent NBA conferences have been supported by different state governments, corporate organizations, ministries, departments and agencies whose budgets accommodate corporate social responsibilities and share the same vision with NBA.

“Such financial supports are in the form of gifts, partnerships or sponsorships. The money from Rivers State was a gift and was not tied to any purported hosting right for the NBA AGC.”

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Portable Fails To Meet Bail, Remanded In Kwara Prison

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An Upper Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Monday, granted controversial street-pop singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, bail in the sum of ₦1 million following his arraignment on multiple charges, including criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and inciting public disturbance.

The bail is conditional upon the provision of two sureties in like sum.

According to the court, one surety must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), while the other must own property within a Government Reserved Area (GRA) in Ilorin, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

As of press time, the 31-year-old singer remains in custody at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, having failed to meet the stringent bail requirements.

The charges stem from a petition filed by veteran Fuji artiste, Okunola Saheed, known as Saheed Osupa, who alleged that Portable defamed him during a live Instagram broadcast on 19 March 2025.

Defamation, arrest

In the controversial video, the ‘Zazoo Zeh’ crooner stated, “This man dey try bring down my shine! He be like person wey dey chop snail with shell—him no get sense. Osupa carry tortoise for stomach. When Apple Music and Spotify want to drop money for me, na him remove my song from the platform, make I no see money.”

According to Osupa, Portable’s remarks were defamatory and damaging to his reputation and were intended to incite public hatred and disturb peace. The police, acting on the petition dated March 21, 2025, launched an investigation through the State Intelligence Department.

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Elanza news reported that Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed in a statement that Portable was arrested on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at about 7:25 p.m. He was subsequently transferred to Ilorin for further investigation.

“In view of the weight of these allegations and the supporting evidence presented, the command secured a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin,” said Ejire-Adeyemi.

“Upon his arrival, the suspect’s statement was taken in the presence of legal representatives from both parties.”

The case is documented under First Information Report (FIR) 117(1) CPC. Charges filed against Portable include criminal defamation under Section 392 of the Penal Code, criminal intimidation (Section 397), and inciting disturbance (Section 114). Provisions of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2020, were also cited.

ASP Adeniyi James, the investigating police officer, confirmed that the charges were filed based on directives from police authorities.

The presiding magistrate, Sunday Adeniyi, adjourned the matter to 30 April and advised all parties to maintain decorum as the case proceeds.

This is not Portable’s first legal encounter this year. Barely a month ago, he was granted bail in Ogun State after being arraigned on charges of assaulting government officials and obstructing their duties.

Saheed Osupa’s Copyright Claims
Beyond the defamation allegations, the dispute between Portable and Osupa also touches on copyright issues. The rift escalated after the 55-year-old reported one of Portable’s tracks, Fuji Shakushaku, for copyright infringement.

The song, released in 2023, was subsequently taken down from Apple Music and other streaming platforms.

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In response, Portable criticised the Fuji veteran in a series of videos, referring to him as “big for nothing.”

The controversial singer later apologised publicly, attributing his outburst to frustration over the song’s removal and resulting financial losses.

Osupa’s management, represented by Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Ltd. (DMCE), issued a statement on 27 March via Fountain Osupa’s official Instagram page.

“We cannot stand idly by while King Saheed Osupa is being disrespected,” the statement read. “DMCE uncovered several artistes’ unauthorised use of King Osupa’s music. While most were resolved amicably, one individual engaged in cyberbullying, attacks, and reputational damage.”

The management reiterated that Osupa is signed to Sony Music Publishing Nigeria and that DMCE is authorised to act on his behalf to protect his intellectual property.

Portable has been involved in several police and court cases in recent years. In 2023, he was charged with assault and theft in Ogun State after allegedly attacking a man. In 2024, he was arrested in Lagos for allegedly failing to pay the full amount for a car he bought, leading to a debt dispute with a car dealer. He was released after meeting bail conditions.

In February 2025, Portable and his team were accused of attacking government officials who came to enforce regulations at his bar in Ogun State. He was charged with assault, obstruction, and having dangerous weapons. After turning himself in, he was granted bail. These cases have added to his reputation for being involved in controversies.

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