By Jemilu Hassan
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A coalition of 51 anti-corruption groups, led by the National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA), has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, 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.
Ganduje’s tenure has been marred by corruption accusations, including a recent fraud charge filed by the Kano State government. The petition specifically alleges that Ganduje orchestrated a scheme to siphon funds through various accounts, converting them into cash and foreign currencies between 2020 and 2023. He is also accused of 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 testify. However, Ganduje has denied the allegations, stating that he has never been involved in bribery and citing examples of similar fake reports published in the past.
Despite his denial, 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. The group urges the EFCC to uphold its mandate to combat corruption and protect public interests, ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice for the Nigerian people.
It’s worth noting that Ganduje was previously invited for questioning by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) in 2023 but failed to honor the invitation. 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 EFCC has acknowledged the petition, and the former governor is yet to react to the latest allegations. The outcome of this petition remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the Nigerian people deserve transparency, accountability, and justice.
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