Kano State Government Rejects Allegations Against Protocol Chief In N6.5 Billion Corruption Probe.
The Kano State Government has firmly dismissed claims that its Director-General of Protocol, Abdullahi Rogo, misappropriated N6.5 billion from state coffers, labelling the accusations as politically motivated falsehoods aimed at tarnishing Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration. The statement comes as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigate allegations of fund diversion through a network of front companies, bureau de change operators, and personal accounts allegedly linked to Rogo.
In a detailed response issued on Monday by the state’s Director-General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, the government described the allegations as a smear campaign orchestrated by opposition groups seeking to undermine Governor Yusuf ahead of the 2027 elections. The statement clarified that the Directorate of Protocol, like similar offices across Nigeria’s states and federal government, operates within a structured framework with all financial transactions budgeted and coded for specific purposes. “No official has access to funds outside approved expenditure,” Bature asserted, defending the integrity of the state’s financial processes.
The government outlined the Directorate of Protocol’s responsibilities, which include managing logistics, welfare, accommodation, and itineraries for the governor, as well as supporting visiting dignitaries such as the president, ministers, and diplomats. “Over 95 per cent of the Directorate’s operations involve significant financial transactions, often settling liabilities incurred on behalf of the state at the governor’s direction,” the statement explained, expressing full confidence in Rogo’s conduct.
The Yusuf administration also took aim at the previous government under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, accusing it of financial recklessness. It alleged that over N20 billion was withdrawn through the Protocol Directorate between February and May 2023, a period following the All Progressives Congress’s loss to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The statement referenced a widely circulated video allegedly showing Ganduje accepting bribes and accused his associates of land grabs and asset misappropriation.
While defending its transparency, the Kano State Government noted that the matter is currently before a court of competent jurisdiction and pledged to remain impartial until a verdict is reached. It warned, however, that it would pursue legal action against those spreading misinformation. “The government has nothing to hide, and any official, including the Director-General of Protocol, is ready to provide explanations to anti-graft agencies when required,” Bature stated.
Despite the government’s defence, the ICPC claims to have recovered N1.3 billion linked to Rogo, with two of his Zenith Bank accounts frozen under restrictions. The agency alleges that funds were laundered through corporate fronts and personal accounts, a claim the government has not directly addressed. A recent Kano High Court ruling restrained further investigation into Rogo and awarded him N2 million in costs, prompting the ICPC to accuse the court of shielding a powerful official. The agency has vowed to appeal the decision.
The Kano State Government urged residents to see through what it called an “orchestrated plot” to distract from its people-focused programmes. It reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and transparency, vowing that no amount of political blackmail would derail Governor Yusuf’s reform agenda.
