The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered more than ₦1.1 billion from Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, the Director-General of Protocol at the Kano State Government House, amid ongoing investigations into alleged contract-related financial irregularities amounting to ₦6.5 billion.
The recovery, confirmed by ICPC sources, followed coordinated investigations by both the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agencies allege that corporate entities and personal accounts were used to divert public funds through fictitious contracts, some of which were never awarded or executed.
Court filings reviewed by The Guardian show that part of the probe led the ICPC to secure interim forfeiture of ₦142 million “reasonably suspected to have been acquired illegally.” On May 7, the Federal High Court granted the order and directed that a notice be published in a national newspaper, inviting anyone with interest in the funds to come forward. After no claimant appeared, the court on July 2 ordered a final forfeiture of the money, ruling that it was proceeds of corruption linked to Mr. Rogo.
In response, the embattled official filed a suit at the Kano State High Court in Bichi challenging what he described as unlawful detention and possible prosecution. During proceedings, however, ICPC’s legal representatives urged the court to dismiss his application, describing it as an attempt to obstruct ongoing investigations.
Despite the recoveries, no criminal conviction has been secured against Mr. Rogo or other officials as of press time, and investigations are continuing.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Government has strongly denied reports alleging that ₦6.5 billion was siphoned from the state treasury. In a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa, the administration described the allegations as “politically motivated blackmail” aimed at tarnishing the image of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of the 2027 elections.
The statement defended Rogo’s integrity, stressing that his office handles logistics, hospitality, and coordination of state visits under strict financial rules. “Ninety-five percent of the directorate’s activities involve documented and approved transactions. We have full confidence in the credibility of Hon. Rogo,” it said.
The government further accused opposition groups of sponsoring smear campaigns and pointed fingers at the previous administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, alleging that over ₦20 billion was mismanaged in its final months and that widespread corruption—including land grabbing—took place under its watch.
While pledging to uphold transparency and accountability, the Yusuf administration warned it would not hesitate to pursue legal redress against further attempts to malign its officials.
“As the case stands before a competent court, the government will refrain from further comment until a legal determination is made,” the statement added.