Anti-Corruption groups petition EFCC, seek prosecution of Ganduje

A coalition of 51 anti-corruption organizations has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of former Kano State Governor and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The petition, dated November 4, 2024, and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 7, 2024, details extensive allegations of bribery, fraud, and misappropriation during Ganduje’s tenure from 2015 to 2023. The document highlights specific charges, including orchestrated schemes of mismanagement between 2020 and 2023 and multiple instances of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and misuse of public funds.

Furthermore, the petition outlines that 143 witnesses, comprising local government cashiers, forex operators, and former bank staff, are ready to testify. The National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA), represented by Dr. Johnson Nebechi and Comrade Umar Ideresu, emphasized the urgency of the case, asserting that the severity of the allegations warrants prompt action by the EFCC.

Ganduje’s administration has long faced accusations of corruption, nepotism, and cronyism, with recent charges filed by the Kano State government adding to the mounting pressure for accountability.

The petuition read: “Ganduje’s history of corruption is well-documented. In 2018, Daily Nigerian published a video allegedly showing him receiving gratification from contractors.

“In 2023, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, PCACC, invited Ganduje for questioning, but he did not honour the invitation.

‘’A Kano State High Court also fixed April 17, 2024, for Ganduje’s arraignment on eight counts involving an alleged misappropriation of N1.38 billion.

“NACA demands that the EFCC take swift action, arresting and prosecuting Ganduje, investigating the alleged diversion and recovering the misappropriated funds.

“We urge the EFCC to uphold its mandate to combat corruption and protect public interests, ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice for the Nigerian people.

“The Nigerian people deserve transparency, accountability, and justice. We expect the EFCC to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating corruption by pursuing this case with diligence and vigour.”