Kano Transport Commissioner Resigns After Probe Into Controversial Bail of Suspected Drug Baron

KANO – The political landscape in Kano witnessed fresh drama on Wednesday following the resignation of Alhaji Ibrahim Namadi, the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, just hours after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf received the report of an investigative committee probing Namadi’s involvement in the controversial bail of a suspected drug baron, Sulaiman Danwawu.

Namadi announced his resignation in a statement signed by Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa, Director-General, Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House. The development comes amid heightened public scrutiny and widespread debate on the role of political officeholders in sensitive criminal cases.

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Committee Finds Commissioner Negligent

The controversy began when Namadi reportedly volunteered to stand as surety for Danwawu, who is under investigation for alleged involvement in illicit drug dealings. His action triggered outrage within government circles and among anti-drug campaign advocates in Kano, prompting the governor to set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the bail.

According to Aminu Hussain, Chairman of the Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Justice and Constitutional Matters, the panel’s inquiry was “thorough, impartial, and evidence-based.”

The committee’s report, submitted to the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim, concluded that Namadi had acted negligently in standing as surety for Danwawu without conducting proper due diligence on the suspect’s background and the seriousness of the case.

Resignation “In Public Interest”

In his resignation statement, Namadi described the decision as painful but necessary, noting that it was made “in the interest of the public and in light of the sensitive nature of the matter.”

“As a member of an administration that has consistently championed the fight against the sales and consumption of illicit drugs, it behoves me to take this step—painful as it may be,” he said.
“While I maintain my innocence, I cannot ignore the weight of public perception and the need to protect the values we have collectively built.”

The former commissioner further thanked Governor Yusuf for the opportunity to serve and pledged his continued loyalty to the administration’s vision for good governance and social reform.

“I must, as a good citizen, strive to protect, preserve, and uphold the trust and vision we have worked so hard to instil in our dear state,” he said. “I remain loyal to the ideals that brought this administration into office.”

Governor Reiterates Zero Tolerance on Drug Crimes

The Kano State Government, in accepting Namadi’s resignation, reiterated its unwavering commitment to justice, discipline, and the fight against drug-related crimes and social vices affecting the youth and broader society.

Governor Yusuf, according to the statement issued by DawakinTofa, emphasized that political appointees must exercise extreme caution in handling sensitive matters of public interest and must seek proper approval from higher authorities before getting involved in such issues.

“The governor further stressed the need for all political appointees to always reason with caution on sensitive matters and obtain permission from the higher authority anytime they are about to engage themselves on issues of public interest,” the statement concluded.

A Blow to Anti-Drug Campaign

Namadi’s resignation is seen by many observers as both a setback and a reaffirmation of Kano’s anti-drug campaign. Under Governor Yusuf’s administration, the state has repeatedly declared its resolve to fight drug trafficking and consumption, which remain major challenges contributing to social vices and criminality.

The incident has sparked conversations about the responsibility of public officials to uphold integrity and avoid actions that could undermine public trust, especially when their decisions intersect with law enforcement and justice administration.

Political Implications

Analysts suggest Namadi’s exit could send a strong message to other appointees about the administration’s insistence on ethical conduct and accountability.

“This resignation underscores that public perception and moral responsibility are inseparable from leadership,” a Kano-based political analyst noted. “It also demonstrates that even within an administration, there is no room for shielding questionable actions when the public interest is at stake.”

Governor Accepts Resignation, Extends Goodwill

Governor Abba Yusuf officially accepted Namadi’s resignation and wished him success in his future endeavours.

“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has graciously accepted the resignation and wished the former commissioner success in his future endeavours,” the statement read.

With the resignation now formalized, attention will shift to how the administration fills the transportation commissioner role while maintaining momentum in its anti-drug and social reform agenda.