Corruption allegation: Kano CSOs call on EFCC, ICPC to resist pressure

The Forum of Kano Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Against Corruption has staged a solidarity walk to protest what it describes as a betrayal of public trust and widespread corruption in the state.

In a statement signed by Abdullahi Muhammad, the group called on anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to resist political pressure and ensure justice.

The CSOs’ protest centered on a scandal allegedly involving the Director General of Protocol in the Kano State Government, Abdullahi Rogo, who is alleged to have diverted a staggering ₦6.5 billion in public funds.

The group commended the ICPC for reportedly recovering ₦1.2 billion but accused the state government of engaging in “propaganda and denial” to downplay the severity of the scandal.

In response to the allegations, the Kano State government, through a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, denied the claims of fund diversion.

The government clarified that the Protocol Directorate handles logistics, accommodation, and other expenses for VIPs, and that the funds in question were legitimately spent on official duties.

The government dismissed the reports as politically motivated smear campaigns aimed at discrediting the administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

Despite the government’s stance, the CSOs insisted that corruption is “killing Kano,” noting that between 2023 and 2025, the state has reportedly received over ₦445 billion in federal allocations, yet its hospitals, schools, and roads remain in a state of decay.

“We commend the EFCC and ICPC and urge them to pursue these cases to their logical conclusion without fear or favour. Both agencies must resist inducement, political interference, or pressure from the Kano State Government.”

The group, however, “demand the recovery of all looted funds and their transparent use for public projects.

“We call on the Kano State House of Assembly to immediately set up a committee to investigate these scandals and hold officials accountable.

“We urge the judiciary to act fairly and resist compromise. Recent rulings that frustrate prosecution of corruption cases erode public trust.”

The group also condemned the alleged harassment of journalists and other civil society voices by the state government, stating that “silencing dissent is an assault on democracy.”

The Kano State Police Command has responded to claims made by a Kano Civil Society Organization (CSO) regarding their presence at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Kano zonal office. The police stated that the security presence was not intended to stop any protests, as alleged by the CSO.

The CSO claimed that they had been denied access to the EFCC office while trying to deliver a message to the anti-graft commission. In response, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Haruna Kiyawa, explained that the presence of security personnel at the EFCC office was a routine security operation conducted by the police throughout the metropolis.

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