Kano gov’s aide linked to N6.5bn fraud as EFCC, ICPC uncover front companies, hidden accounts

Abdullahi Rogo, Director-General of Protocol to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been implicated in a N6.5 billion corruption scandal under probe by Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

According to investigators, Rogo allegedly diverted billions of naira belonging to the Kano State Government through bureau de change (BDC) operators, shell companies, and personal accounts.

*BDC Testimonies*

BDC operators told investigators that Rogo personally instructed them to source dollars with public funds. One operator, Gali Muhammad, admitted handing $1 million in cash directly to Rogo in Abuja. Another, Nasiru Adamu, said his firms received N1.17 billion from the state’s Federation Account Allocation in November 2023, which he converted to dollars and delivered to Rogo via Muhammad.

Investigators described the transactions as a “blatant disregard” for Nigeria’s Money Laundering Act.

*Role of Accountant General*

The former Kano State Accountant General, Abdussalam Abdulkadir, was also implicated. He reportedly authorised the suspicious payments using fake contracts tied to A.Y. Mai Kifi Oil and Gas Ltd. and Ammas Petroleum Company Ltd. The companies later told ICPC the contracts never existed.

ICPC concluded that Abdulkadir and Rogo conspired to launder public funds through currency dealers.

*Court Actions and Forfeitures*

In February 2025, ICPC summoned Rogo over allegations of fraud and money laundering.

Although he sought to block the summons in court, investigators pressed ahead.

By May, a court granted interim forfeiture of N142 million traced to him, and in July ordered its permanent forfeiture after no claimant emerged.

So far, ICPC has recovered N1.3 billion linked to Rogo, but investigators say this is only a fraction of the suspected illicit funds.

*Front Companies and Hidden Accounts*

Documents show Rogo used companies such as H&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas to move funds.

He also allegedly controlled an account at Alternative Bank (AH Bello Business Solutions Ltd.), which handled N3.07 billion inflows and N2.6 billion outflows between August 2024 and February 2025.

Additionally, two Zenith Bank accounts in Rogo’s name recorded over N2.3 billion in transactions, now frozen by court order.

*Kano Government Denies Wrongdoing*

Despite mounting evidence, the Kano State Government dismissed the allegations as “falsehoods” sponsored by political rivals, insisting that all transactions were properly budgeted and accounted for.

Officials defended Rogo’s office, saying the Directorate of Protocol only handles logistics, welfare, and travel arrangements for the governor and visiting dignitaries.

*Ongoing Probe*

Both EFCC and ICPC say the scandal may widen as more evidence emerges.

Prosecutors believe the transactions tied to Rogo represent one of the most audacious diversions of public funds in Kano’s recent history.