A coalition of 51 anti-corruption groups has again petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking the immediate arrest and prosecution of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former Governor of Kano State and current national chairman of the All Progressives Congress.
The petition, dated November 4, 2024, and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 7, 2024, outlined numerous allegations of bribery and misappropriation against Ganduje while he was the governor of Kano State.
Ganduje’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023 has been marred by accusations of corruption, including a recent fraud charge filed by the Kano State government.
Specific allegations against Ganduje in the petition included orchestrating a scheme to syphon funds through various accounts, converting them into cash and foreign currencies between 2020 and 2023, and multiple counts of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and misappropriation.
A total of 143 witnesses, including local government cashiers, foreign currency exchange operators, and former bank employees, are expected to provide testimony.
But the former Governor has since denied the allegations when he appeared before the state assembly during his tenure.
The governor, who was then represented by a cabinet member, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Muhammad Garba said a video released then was meant to tarnish his image.
Ganduje stated that he had never been involved in a bribery incident and would never be.
He cited examples of a similar fake report published in the past.
“Such untrue publications were done to the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II, and also to the former Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau”, Ganduje said in the document denying the allegation as presented by his representative.
But in the new petition co-signed by Dr. Johnson Nebechi and Comrade Umar Ideresu, the convener and the spokesperson, respectively, the National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA) said the allegations warrant immediate investigation and action.
They alleged that, “In 2023, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) invited Ganduje for questioning, but he did not honour the invitation.
“A Kano State High Court also fixed April 17, 2024, for Ganduje’s arraignment 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 N57.43 billion, and recovering the misappropriated funds.
“We urge the EFCC to uphold its mandate to combat corruption and protect public interests, ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice for the Nigerian people.
“The Nigerian people deserve transparency, accountability, and justice.
“We expect the EFCC to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating corruption by pursuing this case with diligence and vigour.”
The former governor is yet to react to the latest allegations.