A coalition of 51 anti-corruption organizations has formally requested the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State and current national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a petition dated November 4, 2024, and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 7, the groups, led by the National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA), accuse Ganduje of bribery and extensive misappropriation of funds during his governorship from 2015 to 2023. The petition was co-signed by Dr. Johnson Nebechi, convener, and Comrade Umar Ideresu, spokesperson of NACA.
The allegations include claims of a scheme orchestrated by Ganduje to channel funds through multiple accounts, converting them into cash and foreign currency between 2020 and 2023. Charges of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and misappropriation are also detailed, with 143 witnesses, such as local government cashiers, currency exchange operators, and former bank employees, reportedly prepared to testify.
Ganduje has previously denied these allegations, asserting that past accusations, including a controversial video, were part of efforts to tarnish his reputation. He cited similar false reports affecting other prominent figures, such as Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II and former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau.
NACA claims Ganduje failed to appear for questioning by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) in 2023. The coalition urges the EFCC to promptly arrest and prosecute Ganduje, investigate the alleged diversion of N57.43 billion, and work toward recovering misappropriated funds.
“We call on the EFCC to fulfill its responsibility to combat corruption and uphold public interest, ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice for Nigerians,” stated Dr. Nebechi and Comrade Ideresu.
Additionally, the Kano State government has filed a case against Ganduje, his wife, and six others. A Kano State High Court has set April 17, 2024, as the date for Ganduje’s arraignment on charges related to an alleged $413,000 bribe and misappropriation of N1.38 billion.
The former governor has yet to respond to the latest accusations.
