A coalition of anti-corruption groups has formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), asking the anti-corruption body to arrest and prosecute the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The groups under the aegis of National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA) alleged in the petition that Alhaji Ganduje, a former Kano State governor from 2015 to 2023, had accusations of cronyism, nepotism and embezzlement hanging on his neck.
The petition, dated 4 November, 2024, and signed by Dr. Johnson Nebechi, Convener, and Comrade Umar Ideresu, spokesperson, was acknowledged as received by the EFCC on 7 November, 2024.
The petition which also outlines a number of allegations of bribery and misappropriation of funds against Ganduje, claimed that he orchestrated a scheme to siphon 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.
Nebechi and Ideresu said a total of 143 witnesses, including local government cashiers, foreign currency exchange operators, and former bank employees, they said were expected “to provide crucial testimony,” and alleged that he conspired to divert over ₦57.43 billion meant for the 44 local government areas of Kano State.
The group said the allegations against Ganduje warranted immediate investigation and action.
“In 2018, Daily Nigerian published a video allegedly showing him receiving $5 million as bribe from contractors. In 2023, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) invited Ganduje for questioning, but he did not honour the invitation.
“A Kano State High Court also fixed April 17, 2024, for Ganduje’s arraignment on eight counts involving an alleged $413,000 bribe and misappropriation of N1.38 billion.
“NACA demands that the EFCC take swift action, arresting and prosecuting Ganduje, investigating the alleged diversion of ₦57.43 billion, and recovering the misappropriated funds.
“We urge the EFCC to uphold its mandate to combat corruption and protect public interests, ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice for the Nigerian people.
“The Nigerian people deserve transparency, accountability, and justice. We expect the EFCC to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating corruption by pursuing this case with diligence and vigor.”
