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By Lizzy Chirkpi
A multi-billion-naira corruption scandal has rocked Kano State as bureau de change (BDC) operators have linked Abdullahi Rogo, Director-General of Protocol to Governor Abba Yusuf, with an alleged N6.5 billion money laundering scheme currently under investigation by Nigeria’s leading anti-graft agencies the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to detailed testimonies submitted to both agencies, several BDC operators described how they allegedly moved vast sums of public funds at Mr. Rogo’s request. Investigators claim the transactions formed the core of a sophisticated network of fraud, involving shell companies, hidden accounts, and intermediaries.
One operator, Gali Muhammad, told investigators that Mr. Rogo personally contacted him to source U.S. dollars. Another, Nasiru Adamu, managing director of Kazo Nazo and Namu Nakune, said that on 9 November 2023, his companies received N1.17 billion directly from Kano State’s Federation Account Allocation, which was immediately converted to dollars and handed over to Muhammad.
Adamu said the cash was later delivered to Mr. Rogo at the Kano Liaison Office in Asokoro, Abuja. Muhammad corroborated this, admitting he handed $1 million in cash to the governor’s aide, a move investigators described as a “blatant disregard” of Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The investigation has also roped in former Kano State Accountant General, Abdussalam Abdulkadir, who reportedly authorised the N1.17 billion transfer using fabricated “letters of authority” allegedly signed by A.Y. Mai Kifi Oil and Gas Ltd. and Ammas Petroleum Company Ltd.
Directors of both companies have since told investigators the contracts were fictitious and that they signed documents under Abdulkadir’s directive. The ICPC concluded that he conspired with Mr. Rogo to divert state funds.
On 14 February 2025, the ICPC invited Mr. Rogo under Section 28 of its Act to answer questions on fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering. After his lawyers requested a reschedule, he filed a court application challenging the summons.
In April, the ICPC filed an ex parte motion seeking forfeiture of N142 million linked to the transactions. By 2 July 2025, the court ordered the permanent forfeiture after no claimant emerged. Investigators have so far recovered N1.3 billion traced to Mr. Rogo’s personal and proxy accounts but insist the amount is only a fraction of the suspected illicit funds.
ICPC documents reveal that Mr. Rogo allegedly used several front companies—including H&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas Limited—to siphon public funds.
An account at Alternative Bank (0505572562), opened in the name of AH Bello Business Solutions Ltd., reportedly controlled by Mr. Rogo, recorded N3.07 billion in inflows and N2.6 billion in outflows between August 2024 and February 2025.
Two Zenith Bank accounts linked to him recorded N2.28 billion and N54.1 million respectively over three years. Both have been frozen under Post-No-Debit restrictions.
Despite mounting evidence, the Kano State Government dismissed allegations of a N6.5 billion diversion as “falsehoods sponsored by political opponents” targeting Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration.
It maintained that all state financial transactions were properly budgeted and accounted for, stating that the Directorate of Protocol merely oversees logistics, welfare, and travel for the governor and visiting dignitaries.
The government further argued that the accounting practice under scrutiny is commonly applied across Nigerian states and the federal government.
Both EFCC and ICPC continue their investigations, with prosecutors hinting that more revelations may emerge. Investigators describe the scheme as “one of the most audacious diversions of public funds in Kano’s recent history.”