CSOs demand probe of alleged multi-billion naira scandals involving Kano govt’s officials

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)  under the umbrella of the Forum of Kano Civil Society Organizations Against Corruption have taken to the streets in Kano, calling for a comprehensive investigation into alleged multi-billion naira scandals involving officials of the Kano State Government.

The protest followed recent revelations by anti-graft agencies alleging that the Director General of Protocol in the state, Abdullahi Rogo, diverted ₦6.5 billion belonging to the people of Kano.

Speaking during a press conference at the rally on Thursday, the forum’s chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Muhammed, said the demonstration was aimed at showing solidarity with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He urged both agencies to remain resolute, resist political influence, and see ongoing cases through to conclusion.

The groups further accused the state government of attempting to downplay the allegations through propaganda rather than committing to a transparent probe.

“We are also appealing to the Kano State House of Assembly to launch an independent probe into the matter. We are also pleading with the judiciary to ensure impartial rulings in all corruption-related cases,” Muhammed said.

According to him, the solidarity walk was meant as a clear message of encouragement to anti-graft agencies: “stand firm, remain resolute, and do not bow to intimidation.”

He added: “We stand united because corruption is killing Kano. Public trust has been betrayed, billions have been siphoned, and the people continue to suffer while a few individuals enrich themselves.”

The forum pointed to multiple controversies allegedly linked to the administration, including the diversion of federal palliatives, questionable contracts, inflated projects, and the mismanagement of billions in state allocations.

“Despite the recovery of ₦1.2 billion by ICPC, the state government has engaged in propaganda and denial, attempting to discredit credible reports and downplay the scandal,” the statement read.

Between 2023 and 2025, Kano reportedly received over ₦445 billion in federal allocations, excluding internally generated revenue. Yet, the groups argued, public services such as hospitals, schools, and water supply remain in poor condition while poverty deepens.
They listed alleged scandals including:Diversion of federal palliatives, with trucks of rice, maize, and fertilizer traced to private warehouses linked to government officials; A multi-billion-naira contract for drug supply to 38 councils, fully paid but never delivered; Inflated agricultural and rural development projects; Diversion of funds meant for rural women across 44 LGAs; Road contracts worth over ₦4 billion awarded as “total reconstruction” but executed as shoddy asphalt overlays, among others.

The protesters stressed that Kano’s wealth belongs to its citizens and should be channeled into essential services like clean water, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.

“We demand the recovery of all looted funds and their transparent use for public projects. We call on the Kano State House of Assembly to immediately set up a committee to investigate these scandals and hold officials accountable,” the group declared.

They also urged the judiciary to uphold fairness and cautioned against rulings that frustrate corruption cases, warning that such outcomes erode public trust.

They condemned the alleged harassment of journalists and civil society actors by the state government, describing it as an “assault on democracy.”