Kano anti-corruption boss probing Ganduje’s dollar video, gets EFCC, CCB summons

It is a case of the hunter becoming the hunted. Mahuyi Rimingado, the famous chairman of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission, who recently announced a renewed probe of ex-Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s dollar-bribe video, has been summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The EFCC and CCB summons are over the Kano anti-corruption commission’s finances, according to Daily Nigerian, the newspaper that first published the news of the dollar video.

Recall that Rimingado recently said he conducted forensic analysis on the videos showing the then governor of Kano State, now National Chairman of All Progressives congress (APC), collecting wads of dollars believed to be a bribe.

Ganduje swiftly secured a court order restraining the anti-corruption agency from investigating him, his family and any of his political appointees.

Daily Nigerian reported on Saturday that in what appears to be a fight back by Mr Ganduje, the EFCC and CCB have simultaneously launched a probe into Mr Rimingado’s activities at the Kano anti-corruption commission.

The newspaper quoted the EFCC letter, dated August 8, 2023, which reads: “The Commission is investigating a case in which the need to obtain certain clarification from your office is imperative.

“2. In view of the above, you are requested to kindly release the Director of Finance and Accounts to report for an interview with the undersigned through the Team Leader AFF/TC at Plot 301/302 Institution and Research District Jabi, along Airport Road, Abuja on Monday, 29th August, 2023 by 1000hours. He should come along with the following information:

“I. Details of total funds released to your office by the Office of the Accountant General of Kano state from 2019 to 2021 fiscal year.

“II. Details of total funds released to your office by the Kano state Ministry of Local Government from 2019 to 2021 including contracts executed and details of beneficiary accounts.”

On the other hand, the CCB letter, dated August 16, 2023, is requesting Mr Rimingado to furnish the bureau with the records of recoveries, forfeiture and management of the commission’s finances from 2016 to date.

“Pursuant to the mandate and powers of the Bureau as enshrined in the 3rd Schedule, Part 1, paragraph 3(e) to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, The Code of Conduct Bureau is investigating a case of alleged violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers against some staff of your organization.

“2. Consequently, you are kindly requested to furnish the Bureau with certified True Copies (CTC) of detailed information on the following: i. All contractual undertakings by the Commission from 2016 to date; All records of recoveries, forfeiture and management of same from 2016 – date; ii. Records of all financial allocations to the Commission including donor agency funds from 2016 to date; iv. Status of all the Commission’s building across the local government of the state.”

In addition to probing Ganduje’s dollar-bribe video, the Kano anti-corruption commission recently launched a series of investigations on Mr Ganduje’s administration, including alleged diversion of N4billion from KASCO and recovery of heavy duty vehicles and other equipment belonging to the state government.

The state anti-graft agency also discovered 543 plots of land at Kano Dry Port, Zawachiki estimated to cost about N5 billion allegedly misappropriated by the former governor through Lamash Properties Limited, a company linked to his family.

Lamash Properties Limited had acquired a number of Kano State Government properties, including Daula Hotel and Triumph Publishing Company through questionable Public Private Partnership deals that allegedly shortchanged the state, according to the report.

The newspaper quoted a source who said billions of naira were allegedly siphoned through the bank accounts of some domestic staff of the former governor.

“Mr Rimingado is also investigating N100 billion fraud, part of which Mr Ganduje allegedly used to buy the state-owned Kano Cotton Ginnery through his family’s company, Lasage General Enterprise LTD,” the newspaper reported.

The report claimed the state-owned cotton ginning company located at Chalawa was valued at about N2billion but sold to the private company at the cost of N320 million, payment of which was made in cash.