A coalition comprising 51 anti-corruption organizations has officially submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding the swift arrest and prosecution of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former Governor of Kano State and current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dated November 4, 2024, the petition, which was acknowledged by the EFCC yesterday, details numerous allegations of bribery and financial misconduct linked to Ganduje.
Throughout his governorship from 2015 to 2023, Ganduje faced a barrage of corruption accusations, including a recent fraud charge brought by the Kano State government. This charge asserts that Ganduje conspired to misappropriate over N57.43 billion allocated for the 44 local government areas in Kano State, allegedly using these funds to purchase opulent properties both domestically and abroad. His administration has also been criticized for cronyism, nepotism, and embezzlement.
Among the specific allegations are claims that Ganduje masterminded a scheme to siphon funds through various accounts, converting them into cash and foreign currencies between 2020 and 2023. He is facing multiple charges of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and misappropriation.
The petition states that 143 witnesses, including local government cashiers, foreign currency exchange operators, and former bank employees, are poised to offer critical testimony.
In a statement co-signed by Dr. Johnson Nebechi and Comrade Umar Ideresu, the conveners of the National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA), they emphasized that the allegations against Ganduje necessitate immediate investigation and action.
“Ganduje’s history of corruption is well-documented. In 2018, Daily Nigerian published a video that allegedly showed him accepting a $5 million bribe from contractors,” the petition noted.
“In 2023, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) summoned Ganduje for questioning, but he failed to respond. Additionally, a Kano State High Court has scheduled April 17, 2024, for Ganduje’s arraignment concerning eight counts related to an alleged $413,000 bribe and the misappropriation of N1.38 billion.”
NACA insists that the EFCC must act decisively by arresting and prosecuting Ganduje, investigating the alleged diversion of the N57.43 billion, and recovering the misappropriated funds.
“We implore the EFCC to fulfil its mandate to fight corruption and safeguard public interests, ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice for the citizens of Nigeria,” they stated.
