Kano: CSOs back EFCC, ICPC, demand full probe over alleged financial scandals

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Some Civil society groups under the Forum of Kano Civil Society Organizations Against Corruption has staged a protest in Kano state to demand for a full investigation into the alleged multi-billion naira scandals linked to officials of the Kano state government.

Recently, the anti-corruption agencies uncovered how the Director General of Protocol in the Kano State Government, Abdullahi Rogo, allegedly diverted a staggering ₦6.5 billion belonging to the people of Kano.

At a press conference during the protest, Thursday, Chairman of the group Comrade Abdullahi Muhammed revealed that the groups decided to stage a peaceful protest to declare its support to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and also to urge both agencies to resist political interference and pursue the ongoing cases to their logical conclusion.

The group also highlighted other controversies that were attributed to the current Kano state administration and also accused the state government of attempting to downplay the allegations through propaganda instead of ordering for thorough investigations.

“We are also appealing to the Kano State House of Assembly to launch an independent probe into the matter. We are also pleading with the judiciary to ensure impartial rulings in all corruption-related cases.”

According to the leader of the groups, the solidarity walk is a clear message of support and encouragement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and all anti-graft agencies: stand firm, remain resolute, and do not bow to intimidation.

“We stand united because corruption is killing Kano. Public trust has been betrayed, billions have been siphoned, and the people continue to suffer while a few individuals enrich themselves.

“Despite the recovery of ₦1.2 billion by ICPC, the state government has engaged in propaganda and denial, attempting to discredit credible reports and downplay the scandal.

“This case is not isolated. Between 2023 and 2025, Kano state reportedly received over ₦445 billion in federal allocations, excluding Internally Generated Revenue. However, our hospitals remain unequipped, schools are crumbling, roads dilapidated, water scarce, and poverty widespread.

“Instead of delivering services, this administration has been engulfed in a harvest of scandals, including:

“Diversion of federal government palliatives: Trucks of rice, maize, and fertilizer meant for the poor were traced to private warehouses, including that of senior government officials and political aides. Hundreds of bags of rice were discovered in a private school owned by the Chief of Staff, Shehu Wada Sagagi.

“A multi-billion-naira contract awarded for drug supply to 38 local government councils. Despite full payment, no drugs were delivered. Investigations revealed collusion between company directors, ministry officials, and ALGON leadership.

“Hundreds of millions allegedly mismanaged in inflated agricultural and rural development projects.

“Funds meant for rural women were diverted, with beneficiaries excluded or shortchanged across 44 LGAs.

“Contracts worth over ₦4 billion advertised as “total reconstruction” turned into shoddy asphalt overlays, raising suspicion of massive fraud.

“Federal government food relief items were stockpiled in private warehouses, including that of an aide to the Secretary to the State Government, Tasiu Al’amin Roba, who was caught rebranding and reselling palliatives.”

The protesters demanded the resources of Kano belong to the people, not to a clique of politicians.

“Provided clean water to thirsty communities across the 44 LGAs.

“Rehabilitated and expanded schools, funded WAEC/NECO/JAMB exams, and reopened technical colleges.

“Built and equipped modern hospitals in key LGAs.

“Upgraded roads, flyovers, and urban security infrastructure to reduce rising crime.”

It also demanded that both EFCC and ICPC must resist inducement, political interference, or pressure from the Kano State Government.

“We 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.

“We condemn the harassment of journalists and civil society voices by the state government. Silencing dissent is an assault on democracy.”