Group urges EFCC to arrest APC chairman, Ganduje over alleged multi-million naira fraud

A coalition of 51 anti-corruption organizations has formally requested the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former Governor of Kano State and current national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This significant move, outlined in a petition dated November 4, 2024, and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 7, 2024, intensifies the pressure on Ganduje amid ongoing allegations of corruption.

The petition, spearheaded by the National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA), was co-signed by Dr. Johnson Nebechi, the coalition’s convener, and Comrade Umar Ideresu, its spokesperson.

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It details accusations of extensive bribery, criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and misappropriation that allegedly occurred during Ganduje’s governorship from 2015 to 2023.

According to the document, Ganduje purportedly operated a scheme to divert state funds into private accounts, converting these into cash and foreign currencies between 2020 and 2023.

To substantiate these claims, the coalition has enlisted the testimonies of 143 witnesses, including local government cashiers, currency exchange operators, and former banking personnel.

This is not the first time Ganduje has faced accusations. During his governorship, a controversial video emerged, allegedly depicting him receiving bribes. Ganduje has consistently dismissed the video as doctored, aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

He cited similar past incidents where prominent figures, such as the former Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II, and former Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, were targeted by misleading reports.

The petition marks a pivotal moment as anti-corruption advocates push for accountability from one of the country’s top political figures.