The Kano State Government has denied allegations of diverting ₦6.5 billion from the state treasury, describing the reports as politically motivated attempts to discredit the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
In a statement signed on Monday by the Director General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa, the government said the allegations originated from a report published by the Daily Nigerian on August 22, 2025, accusing some key aides of financial misconduct.
According to the statement, the claims, currently subject to ongoing litigation at the High Court, are “false narratives” designed to undermine public confidence in the administration. Central to the matter is the Director General of the Protocol Directorate at the Government House, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, who was accused of mismanaging state funds.
“The government makes bold to say every cash outflow into Ministries, Departments, and Agencies is properly budgeted with clear codes well spelt out in the fiscal policy of the state. No individual in government MDAs handles public funds without proper designated purpose,” the statement read.
It further explained that the Protocol Directorate plays a critical role in handling logistics, welfare, accommodation, and the governor’s itineraries for both local and international engagements. It also manages logistics for dignitaries, ministers, foreign diplomats, and other VIPs visiting the state.
Bature maintained that over 95 percent of the directorate’s responsibilities involve large-scale financial transactions authorised by the government and emphasised that no funds are accessed without approvals in line with established budgetary provisions.
The Kano State Government alleged that the accusations were orchestrated by opposition figures who are “desperate to distract the administration” ahead of the 2027 elections. The statement also criticised the immediate past administration led by Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, accusing it of “reckless financial management” and alleging that over ₦20 billion was spent by the Protocol Directorate in just three months between February and May 2023.
“The people of Kano have not forgotten the dollar-video scandal featuring the former governor and immediate past Acting National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,” the statement added, pointing to alleged mismanagement, land grabbing, and questionable asset acquisitions by the previous government.
The Yusuf-led administration reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and financial prudence while warning media platforms against being used to promote “baseless propaganda.” It stressed that the government holds the media in high regard but urged credible outlets to verify facts before publication.
“The allegations being peddled are nothing more than a work of fiction, carefully crafted by political opponents who have resorted to blackmail and propaganda. This administration will not succumb to misinformation,” the statement declared.
The government reiterated its confidence in Hon. Abdullahi Rogo, insisting that he and other officials are willing to provide clarifications to anti-graft agencies if required.
While urging the public to disregard the claims, the government warned opposition groups against continued “deliberate misinformation” and threatened legal action against individuals or organisations attempting to malign the reputation of its officials.
“As the case stands before a court of competent jurisdiction, the Kano State Government will remain indifferent on the matter until the court reaches its decision,” the statement concluded.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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