By Uche Onyeali
Coalition of 51 anti-corruption groups has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, seeking the immediate arrest and prosecution of a former Governor of Kano State and current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.
In the petition, dated November 4, and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 7, the coalition outlined numerous allegations of bribery and misappropriation against the former governor.
Ganduje’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023 had been marred by accusations of corruption, including a recent fraud charge filed by the Kano State government.
The charge alleges conspiracy to divert over N57.43 billion meant for the 44 local government areas, using the funds to acquire luxurious properties locally and internationally.
His administration has also been plagued by accusations of cronyism, nepotism and embezzlement.
Specific allegations against Ganduje include orchestrating a scheme to syphon 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 crucial testimony.
In the petition sighted by AljazirahNigeria, co-signed by Dr Johnson Nebechi and
Comrade Umar Ideresu, the convener and spokesperson, respectively, National Anti-Corruption Alliance, NACA, said these allegations warrant immediate investigation and action.
“Ganduje’s history of corruption is well-documented. In 2018, Daily Nigerian published a video allegedly showing him receiving $5 million bribe from contractors.
“In 2023, Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, PCACC, invited him for questioning, but he did not honor the invitation. A Kano State High Court also fixed April 17 for Ganduje’s arraignment on eight-count charges involving alleged $413,000 bribe and misappropriation of N1.38 billion.
“NACA demands that the EFCC take swift action to arrest and prosecute Ganduje, investigate the alleged diversion of N57.43 billion and recover the misappropriated funds.
“We urge EFCC to uphold its mandate to combat corruption and protect public interests, ensuring transparency, accountability and justice for the people.
“The Nigerian people deserve transparency, accountability and justice. We expect EFCC to demonstrate its commitment to eradicate corruption by pursuing this case with diligence and vigour,” the petition said.
