In a significant turn of events, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) have jointly invited the chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Rimingado, for a comprehensive inquiry into the commission’s financial dealings. This development emerges amidst a backdrop of escalating political tensions and corruption allegations.
Mr. Rimingado’s recent disclosure of a forensic analysis conducted on videos depicting the former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, allegedly accepting a substantial amount of dollars as a bribe, had ignited a legal battle. In an attempt to counter these allegations, Mr. Ganduje procured a court order to halt the anti-corruption agency’s investigation into him, his family, and associates. However, responding in kind, the EFCC and CCB have launched a synchronized investigation into Mr. Rimingado’s activities within the commission.
The EFCC, in a letter dated August 8, 2023, has officially requested the release of the Director of Finance and Accounts from the PCACC. The letter outlines a necessity for clarifications on specific matters, including funds released to the commission by the Office of the Accountant General of Kano state and the Kano state Ministry of Local Government, spanning from 2019 to 2021 fiscal years.
Concurrently, the CCB, in a letter dated August 16, 2023, has called upon Mr. Rimingado to provide records of recoveries, forfeitures, and financial management undertaken by the commission from 2016 to the present. This directive stems from the CCB’s mandate and powers as defined in the Nigerian Constitution, and it seeks detailed information on contractual engagements, financial allocations, and the status of the commission’s buildings across the state’s local government areas.
Recent reports indicate that the Kano anti-graft commission has been fervently investigating multiple aspects of Mr. Ganduje’s administration. This includes alleged diversions of N4 billion from KASCO (Kano Agricultural Supply Company) and the recovery of valuable equipment belonging to the state government. The agency has also unearthed a purported misappropriation of 543 plots of land at Kano Dry Port, Zawachiki, valued at around N5 billion, allegedly linked to Mr. Ganduje’s family through Lamash Properties Limited.
Furthermore, sources claim that Mr. Rimingado’s investigations extend to a staggering N100 billion fraud, which reportedly involves the purchase of the state-owned Kano Cotton Ginnery. This facility, valued at N2 billion, was allegedly sold to a private company, Lasage General Enterprise LTD, connected to Mr. Ganduje’s family for a mere N320 million in cash.
