A coalition of anti-corruption groups has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for the arrest and prosecution of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Kano State Governor and current national chairman of the All Progressives Congress.
The petition, dated November 4, 2024, and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 7, 2024, outlines allegations of bribery and misappropriation against Ganduje.
Ganduje’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023 has been marked by corruption accusations, including a recent fraud charge from the Kano State government. This charge claims he diverted over ₦57.43 billion intended for Kano’s 44 local government areas, allegedly using these funds to acquire luxury properties locally and internationally.
Other allegations against Ganduje involve a scheme to syphon funds through various accounts, converting them into cash and foreign currencies between 2020 and 2023, along with charges of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and misappropriation. Testimonies from 143 witnesses, including local government cashiers, foreign currency exchange operators, and former bank employees, are expected.
In the petition co-signed by Dr. Johnson Nebechi and Comrade Umar Ideresu, the National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA) states: “Ganduje’s history of corruption is well-documented. In 2018, Daily Nigerian published a video allegedly showing him receiving $5 million as bribe from contractors.”
“In 2023, the Kano state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) invited Ganduje for questioning, but he did not honor the invitation. A Kano State High Court also scheduled his arraignment on April 17, 2024, on eight counts involving an alleged $413,000 bribe and misappropriation of N1.38 billion.”
“NACA demands that the EFCC take swift action, arresting and prosecuting Ganduje, investigating the alleged diversion of ₦57.43 billion, and recovering the misappropriated funds.”
“We urge the EFCC to uphold its mandate to combat corruption and protect public interests. The Nigerian people deserve transparency, accountability, and justice.”
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