EFCC, ICPC trace N6.5bn to Kano governor’s aide

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) say they have uncovered ₦6.5 billion allegedly linked to Abdullahi Ibrahim-Rogo, Director General of Protocol at the Kano State Government House.

According to court filings, the funds were siphoned between November 2023 and February 2025 through a network of companies and bureau de change operators acting as proxies.

Investigators allege that Rogo used H&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas Limited to divert public funds under fictitious contracts.

Over ₦1.17bn was reportedly funneled from the state’s federation allocation account, converted into dollars, and delivered to him in cash.

The ICPC said it has so far recovered ₦1.1bn from two of the firms, while the Federal High Court in Kano ordered the forfeiture of ₦142.2m traced to Rogo’s account.

Further probes revealed that an account operated in the name of AH Bello Business Solutions Limited recorded inflows of ₦3.06bn and outflows of ₦2.59bn in just six months.

Another Bank account owned by Rogo allegedly received ₦2.28bn, leaving only ₦39.3m as balance.

The anti-graft agencies maintain that the funds formed part of a coordinated looting spree carried out under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, despite his public pledge of zero tolerance for corruption.

Both EFCC and ICPC told the court that Rogo initially made a confessional statement but later filed a fundamental rights suit at the Kano High Court, Bichi Division, seeking to stop his arrest and prosecution.

In response, ICPC litigation officer David Nelson Efut described the suit as “frivolous” and a ploy to obstruct investigations.

The matter remains before the court.