{"id":121735,"date":"2025-08-30T17:50:38","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T16:50:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=121735"},"modified":"2025-08-30T17:50:38","modified_gmt":"2025-08-30T16:50:38","slug":"kano-govnors-aide-implicated-in-n6-5bn-fraud-probe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/exclusive\/kano-govnors-aide-implicated-in-n6-5bn-fraud-probe\/","title":{"rendered":"Kano Govnor\u2019s Aide Implicated in N6.5bn Fraud Probe"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Lizzy Chirkpi<\/div>\n
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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\u2019s leading anti-graft agencies the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).<\/div>\n
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According to detailed testimonies submitted to both agencies, several BDC operators described how they allegedly moved vast sums of public funds at Mr. Rogo\u2019s request. Investigators claim the transactions formed the core of a sophisticated network of fraud, involving shell companies, hidden accounts, and intermediaries.<\/div>\n
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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\u2019s Federation Account Allocation, which was immediately converted to dollars and handed over to Muhammad.<\/div>\n
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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\u2019s aide, a move investigators described as a \u201cblatant disregard\u201d of Nigeria\u2019s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.<\/div>\n
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The investigation has also roped in former Kano State Accountant General, Abdussalam Abdulkadir, who reportedly authorised the N1.17 billion transfer using fabricated \u201cletters of authority\u201d allegedly signed by A.Y. Mai Kifi Oil and Gas Ltd. and Ammas Petroleum Company Ltd.<\/div>\n
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Directors of both companies have since told investigators the contracts were fictitious and that they signed documents under Abdulkadir\u2019s directive. The ICPC concluded that he conspired with Mr. Rogo to divert state funds.<\/div>\n
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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.<\/div>\n
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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\u2019s personal and proxy accounts but insist the amount is only a fraction of the suspected illicit funds.<\/div>\n
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ICPC documents reveal that Mr. Rogo allegedly used several front companies\u2014including H&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas Limited\u2014to siphon public funds.<\/div>\n
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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.<\/div>\n
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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.<\/div>\n
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Despite mounting evidence, the Kano State Government dismissed allegations of a N6.5 billion diversion as \u201cfalsehoods sponsored by political opponents\u201d targeting Governor Abba Yusuf\u2019s administration.<\/div>\n
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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.<\/div>\n
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The government further argued that the accounting practice under scrutiny is commonly applied across Nigerian states and the federal government.<\/div>\n
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Both EFCC and ICPC continue their investigations, with prosecutors hinting that more revelations may emerge. Investigators describe the scheme as \u201cone of the most audacious diversions of public funds in Kano\u2019s recent history.\u201d<\/div>\n
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