Civil society organizations in Kano have raised the alarm over two major corruption scandals involving senior government officials, describing the revelations as a grave threat to governance, public trust, and the state’s economic future.
The League of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kano State made the call following separate investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which uncovered alleged fraud running into billions of naira.
On July 18, the Nigerian Tribune reported that the ICPC had concluded investigations into a N1.02 billion laundering scheme allegedly masterminded by the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Professor Sani Lawan Malumfashi, alongside the Commission’s Secretary, Anas Mustapha, and Deputy Director of Accounts, Ado Garba.
The officials were accused of illegally transferring funds from KANSIEC’s account to a private firm under the pretext of paying ad hoc electoral staff.
Barely a month later, on August 22, the Daily Nigerian exposed another scandal involving Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, the Director General of Protocol at Government House, Kano. EFCC and ICPC investigations allege that Rogo diverted N6.5 billion in state funds through shell companies and bureau de change operators.
Court documents showed suspicious inflows and outflows in his accounts, prompting the Federal High Court in Kano to order the permanent forfeiture of N142.2 million and freeze several accounts linked to him.
The League of CSOs said the cases reflect a “disturbing pattern of systemic abuse of public office”. It warned of dire consequences, including loss of public confidence, dwindling foreign investment, weakened development partnerships, and deepening disenfranchisement of young people.
In a statement jointly signed on Saturday, the 20-member group demanded immediate suspension and prosecution of the officials implicated, an independent forensic audit of all state finances, stronger oversight by the State Assembly, and quarterly public disclosure of revenues and expenditures.
They also called for whistleblower protection and formal engagement with civil society in governance processes.
“Kano State stands at a crossroads,” the League declared. “We must confront corruption head-on or risk the collapse of our institutions and the future of our children.”
The group urged citizens to remain vigilant and to hold leaders accountable, insisting that corruption is “not just a crime, but a betrayal of every child without books, every patient without medicine, and every citizen who dreams of a better tomorrow.”
The League of Civil Society Organizations is a coalition of NGOs working on governance, health, education, and human rights in Kano. It said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and push for justice until accountability is achieved.
Endorsed by:
- Comrade Bala Abdullahi Gaduwama – Wuro Development Concerns (WDCN)
- Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq. – Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN)
- Mohammed Bello – African Centre for Innovative Research and Development (Afri-CIRD)
- Abdullahi Y. Sule – Youth and Environmental Development Association (YEDA)
- Adeniyi Aremu – Civil Society Organization for Conflict Resolution in Nigeria (CS-CRIN)
- Comrade Fatima A. Ibrahim – United Action for Democracy (UAD), Kano State
- Muhammad Yahaya – Youth Empowerment and Human Development (YEHDI)
- Abba Bello Ahmed – Campaign for Democracy (CD), Kano State
- Comrade Sani Ibrahim Narogo – Joint Action Front (JAF), Kano State
- Comrade Moh’d Sani Garba – Pay it Forward Initiative
- Fatima Muhammad – Nigerian Environmental Society (NES)
- Aminu Sani Muhammad, Esq. – Rule of Law and Justice Advancement Network (ROLJAN)
- Fatima Badamasi Ibrahim – Gender Support and Youth Empowerment Initiative (GENSAYE)
- Buhari Abubakar Usman – Centre for Legal Orientation and Humanitarian Aid (CELOHA)
- Abdullahi Yahaya, Esq. – Publish What You Pay (PWYP), Kano State
- Hafiz A. Wali, Esq. – Rise Up Youth Initiative (RUYI)
- Comrade Auwal Salisu – Centre for Awareness Reorientation and Empowerment (CARE-Africa)
- Umar Isa Sulaiman, Esq. – Frontier for Gender Advocacy, Accountability & Empowerment Initiative
- Maryam Garba Usman – Centre for Gender and Social Inclusion (CAGSI)
- Fatima Chabir Aliyu, Esq. – Community Based Equal Justice Initiative
