The Kano State Government has dismissed allegations of a N6.5 billion fraud linked to its Director-General of Protocol, Abdullahi Rogo, insisting the claims are politically driven attempts to discredit Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration.
The denial follows mounting investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into alleged diversion of state funds through networks of bureau de change operators, shell companies, and personal bank accounts tied to Rogo.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, the government argued that the accusations were part of a wider smear campaign engineered by opposition forces in anticipation of the 2027 elections.
According to the government, all financial transactions by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are regulated by approved expenditure codes, leaving no room for misuse of public funds.
The Directorate of Protocol, it explained, oversees logistics, welfare, accommodation, and travel arrangements for the governor and visiting dignitaries, including federal officials and diplomats. More than 95 percent of its responsibilities involve large-scale financial commitments on behalf of the state, it added.
The Yusuf administration also turned attention to the previous government led by Abdullahi Ganduje, accusing it of financial recklessness. It alleged that over N20 billion was withdrawn through the Protocol Directorate in just three months between February and May 2023.
The government further cited the controversial “dollar-bribe” video involving Ganduje, as well as alleged land grabs and illegal acquisition of public assets by his allies.
While expressing confidence in Rogo, the government insisted that it had “nothing to hide” and that any official could be invited to clarify financial dealings before anti-graft agencies.
It also warned that it would not hesitate to seek legal redress against individuals or groups spreading misinformation.
However, despite the state’s defense, investigators have already recovered N1.3 billion allegedly linked to Rogo. The ICPC disclosed that some of the funds were traced through corporate fronts and private accounts, leading to a freeze order on two Zenith Bank accounts under Post No Debit restrictions.
The agency maintains that Rogo diverted billions of naira and criticized a recent High Court ruling that restrained further investigation, describing it as an attempt to shield a politically connected figure from accountability.
The case remains before the courts as the standoff between Kano State authorities and federal anti-graft agencies intensifies.
