Anti-corruption group petitions EFCC to investigate former Kano Gov Ganduje

A coalition of 51 anti-corruption organizations has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute 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, outlines numerous allegations of bribery and misappropriation during Ganduje’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.

It was co-signed by Dr. Johnson Nebechi and Comrade Umar Ideresu, the convener and the spokesperson, the National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA).

Specific allegations against Ganduje include orchestrating a scheme to siphon 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.

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Ganduje has previously denied the allegations, stating that a video released during his tenure was meant to tarnish his image.

He cited examples of similar fake reports published in the past, affecting prominent figures such as the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II, and former Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau.

However, the National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA) claims that Ganduje failed to honor an invitation for questioning by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) in 2023.

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,” stated Dr. Johnson Nebechi and Comrade Umar Ideresu, convener and spokesperson of NACA, respectively.

The Kano State government has filed a suit against Ganduje, his wife, and six others. Additionally, a Kano State High Court fixed April 17, 2024, for Ganduje’s arraignment on eight counts involving an alleged $413,000 bribe and misappropriation of N1.38 billion.

The former governor is yet to react to the latest allegations.

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