A coalition of 51 anti-corruption organizations has submitted a formal petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former governor of Kano State and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The petition, dated November 4, 2024, was acknowledged by the EFCC on November 7, 2024. It highlights multiple allegations of bribery and misappropriation during Ganduje’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.
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The former governor has been accused of engaging in corrupt practices, including fraud, cronyism, nepotism, and embezzlement. These accusations are further supported by a recent fraud charge filed against him by the Kano State government.
The coalition claims that between 2020 and 2023, Ganduje orchestrated a series of mismanagement schemes and committed multiple offenses, including criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds. The petition also indicates that 143 witnesses, including local government cashiers, foreign currency exchange operators, and former bank employees, are expected to testify against him.
Dr. Johnson Nebechi, the convener of the coalition, and Comrade Umar Ideresu, its spokesperson, co-signed the petition under the National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA). They emphasized the gravity of the accusations, stating, “Ganduje’s history of corruption is well-documented. In 2018, a video published by Daily Nigerian allegedly showed him receiving gratification from contractors.”
The petition also recalled how Ganduje failed to appear before the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) when invited for questioning in 2023. A Kano State High Court has since set April 17, 2024, as the date for his arraignment on eight counts related to the alleged misappropriation of N1.38 billion.
The coalition urged the EFCC to act swiftly in investigating the case, recovering any diverted funds, and ensuring justice is served. “We demand the EFCC uphold its mandate to combat corruption and safeguard public interests,” the petition read. “The Nigerian people deserve transparency, accountability, and justice. We expect the EFCC to pursue this case diligently, demonstrating its commitment to eradicating corruption.”
