EFCC, ICPC Accuse Kano Governor’s Aide of ₦6.5 Billion Fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have jointly accused Abdullahi Rogo, Director General of Protocol at the Kano State Government House under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, of siphoning billions of naira in public funds through a network of proxy companies and personal accounts.

According to court filings and findings by investigators, Rogo allegedly orchestrated the diversion of over ₦6.5 billion through fictitious contracts that were neither awarded nor executed. The revelations have triggered a series of legal battles, as Rogo is accused of attempting to shield himself from prosecution while quietly returning over ₦1.1 billion to the recovery account of the ICPC.

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₦1.1 Billion Refund to ICPC

Reports indicate that Rogo refunded ₦1,109,230,000 to the ICPC recovery account after being confronted with evidence of fraudulent inflows. Investigators claim that the funds formed part of proceeds traced to fake contracts linked to his office.

Despite the refund, prosecutors insist that repayment does not absolve him of criminal liability. Instead, it strengthens the case that the money originated from corrupt dealings.

EFCC Traces Billions in Suspicious Transactions

The EFCC, in its counter-affidavit before the court, revealed that it had traced multiple suspicious accounts linked to Rogo. One of the major channels allegedly used was AH Bello Business Solutions Limited, an account with Alternative Bank (account number 0505572562), which received ₦3.06 billion in inflows and recorded ₦2.59 billion in outflows between August 2024 and February 2025.

In addition, Rogo’s personal Zenith Bank account (1003666925) reportedly saw ₦2.28 billion in inflows and ₦2.26 billion in outflows over a three-year period between January 2022 and January 2025, leaving a balance of just ₦39.3 million.

According to EFCC investigators, these transactions could not be justified by his official earnings as a state government aide, pointing instead to proceeds of corruption and contract fraud.

ICPC Opposes Rogo’s Court Action

In a bid to avoid further arrest and prosecution, Rogo filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit before the Kano State High Court, Bichi Division. He argued that the anti-graft agencies were harassing him and sought protection from the court.

However, both ICPC and EFCC filed counter-affidavits opposing his application. A litigation officer with the ICPC, David Nelson Efut, described Rogo’s suit as frivolous and aimed at frustrating the agency’s statutory duties.

“That I also know as a matter of fact this action was brought mala fide with the aim of restraining the 1st Respondent by this Court from discharging its statutory mandates as captured under section 6(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and from uncovering the truth of the matter,” Efut stated in his affidavit.

He further argued that it was in the interest of justice that the application be dismissed for lacking merit and for constituting an abuse of judicial process.

Court Orders Forfeiture

While Rogo’s legal challenge remains in contention, the judiciary has already taken decisive action against some of the funds linked to him. Justice M.N. Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Kano, ordered the permanent forfeiture of ₦142.2 million to the ICPC.

The forfeited sum represents part of the balances traced to Rogo’s accounts, which investigators say were derived from the alleged fictitious contracts and fraudulent transactions.

Implications for Kano State Government

The allegations have cast a shadow over the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, raising concerns about the management of public finances in Kano State. While there is no direct accusation of the governor’s involvement, the fact that one of his senior aides is at the centre of such a massive fraud investigation has sparked debate over accountability within the state government.

Political analysts note that the case could put additional pressure on the governor, especially given the sensitivity of anti-corruption issues in Nigeria and the public’s demand for transparency in state governance.

Anti-Graft Agencies Vow to Continue Investigation

Both the EFCC and ICPC have vowed not to relent in pursuing the case, insisting that Rogo’s attempts to block prosecution through the courts will not derail the investigation. They argue that the scale of transactions uncovered—spanning billions of naira—points to a sophisticated scheme of financial misappropriation that must be fully prosecuted.

The agencies have also emphasized that refunding stolen funds, while helpful to the recovery process, does not exonerate suspects from facing the law.

The case against Abdullahi Rogo, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Director General of Protocol, has exposed yet another high-profile corruption scandal in Nigeria’s public service. With over ₦6.5 billion allegedly siphoned through fictitious contracts and billions traced to personal and proxy accounts, the matter underscores the persistent challenges of financial mismanagement and abuse of office.

As the EFCC and ICPC continue their investigation, and with the courts already ordering the forfeiture of ₦142.2 million, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Rogo faces full prosecution or secures temporary relief through legal maneuvers.

Ultimately, the outcome of this case will serve as a litmus test for Nigeria’s ongoing war against corruption and for Governor Yusuf’s administration in demonstrating its commitment to accountability and transparency.