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Court Orders Forfeiture of N1.1 Billion Allegedly Withdrawn by Kano State Government from federation account
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of N1.1 billion, reportedly withdrawn by the Kano State Government from its Federation Account. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on Tuesday following an ex parte motion filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which described the funds as proceeds of unlawful activities.
The ICPC specifically requested the forfeiture of N1,109,230,000 recovered during the investigation of Petition Number ICPC/P/NC/564/2024, asserting that the amount was “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.”
ICPC Allegations Against Kano State Officials
An affidavit by L. David Efut Nelson, Anti-Corruption Assistant with the ICPC, revealed that a petition dated August 19, 2024, alleged the withdrawal of N2.3 billion from the Kano State Federation Account in cash for purposes unrelated to government business. Investigations showed that on November 9, 2023, the Accountant General of Kano State, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, allegedly authorised payments totaling N1,172,563,560 to two Bureau de Change companies—Namu Na Kune Global Resources Ltd and Kazo Nazo Global Concept.
The Accountant General reportedly submitted letters of authority, purportedly signed by the Managing Directors of A. Y. Maikifi Oil & Gas Ltd and Ammas Petroleum Company Ltd, instructing the state government to make payments for diesel supply. The ICPC claimed the contracts mentioned in these letters did not exist.
Further investigations revealed that the companies converted the funds into $1 million, handed to Ghali Muhammad Dahiru for delivery to Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, Director of Protocol, Government House, Kano State. The ICPC stated it successfully recovered N1,109,230,000 from the companies.
Court Proceedings
During the court session, ICPC counsel Oluwafunke Rebecca Bada requested the interim forfeiture order and sought publication of the order in national newspapers, allowing any interested party to contest the forfeiture. Justice Nwite granted the unopposed motion and adjourned the matter to January 21, 2026, for a compliance report.
Since the motion was granted ex parte, any party dissatisfied with the ruling may approach the court to seek redress. The case is linked to allegations of financial corruption against several aides of the Kano State Government.
Government Response
Weeks earlier, the Kano State Government addressed claims of public fund diversion. In a statement by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, the administration maintained that all disbursements to ministries, departments, and agencies are properly budgeted and coded. It affirmed that no individual handles public funds without designated authority and expressed confidence in the integrity of Director-General Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo. The government also accused opposition groups of attempting to use petitions to tarnish the administration and undermine support for the governor.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.