Nigerian Governor Accused of N6.5 Billion Corruption

A top aide to the governor of Nigeria’s Kano State faces serious corruption charges involving over N6.5 billion. The case has caught the attention of two major anti-corruption agencies in the country.

Abdullahi Rogo serves as Director-General of Protocol to the Kano State Governor. Investigators say he took part in stealing and hiding billions of naira that belonged to the state government. They claim he moved the money through suspicious companies and personal bank accounts.

What Investigators Found

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are both looking into the case. So far, the ICPC has recovered N1.3 billion linked to Mr Rogo.

In July, a federal court ordered that part of the suspected stolen money should be given to the government. The court ruled that N142 million represented money gained through corruption.

However, investigators say this amount is only a small part of the total money involved in the scandal.

How the Scheme Worked

According to ICPC documents, Mr Rogo used “front companies” to steal funds. These companies included H&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas Limited.

Investigators say A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum and Ammas Oil and Gas took N1.17 billion from the state treasury. The money was then cleaned through currency exchange operators, changed into US dollars, and given to Mr Rogo in cash.

The ICPC has already recovered N1.1 billion of this amount.

Secret Bank Account

Investigators also found a company bank account that was allegedly used as a private money-laundering channel. The account belonged to AH Bello Business Solutions Ltd, but prosecutors say Mr Rogo secretly controlled it.

Money was regularly moved from the Kano State Government’s Protocol office into this account. From there, it went to currency exchange operators, friends, and family members.

Between August 2024 and February 2025, the account received 3.07 billion naira and paid out 2.6 billion naira. The remaining balance of 142.2 million naira was later seized by court order.

Personal Bank Accounts

The investigation also looked at Mr Rogo’s personal finances. His Zenith Bank account received 2.28 billion naira and paid out 2.26 billion naira between January 2022 and January 2025.

Another business account in his name recorded payments of 54.1 million naira. Both accounts have now been frozen.

Legal Battle

As the investigation continued, Mr Rogo fought back through the courts. In February 2025, he sued both anti-corruption agencies. He claimed they were harassing and threatening him.

Mr Rogo said he had already cooperated with the EFCC in Kano and given a statement. But then the ICPC called him to their Abuja office about the same matter. When he asked to reschedule, he claims they threatened to arrest him.

He asked the court to stop both agencies from arresting or harassing him. He also wanted 20 million naira in damages and 2 million naira to cover his legal costs.

Agencies Respond

Both the ICPC and EFCC rejected Mr Rogo’s claims. The ICPC said it was following proper procedures in investigating alleged fraud and money laundering. They argued that being investigated does not violate anyone’s rights.

The EFCC called the lawsuit “frivolous” and said it was designed to stop their legitimate investigation.

Court Decision

In August 2025, Justice Musa Ahmad of Kano High Court ruled in favour of Mr Rogo. The judge said that while his rights had not been violated yet, there was a likelihood this could happen given the threats of arrest.

The court declared the ICPC’s invitation unlawful and ordered the agencies to pay Mr Rogo 2 million naira in costs.

The ICPC has said it will appeal this decision. The agency accused the court of protecting a powerful official from being held accountable.

What Happens Next

The corruption investigation continues despite the court ruling. With billions of naira allegedly stolen from public funds, the case represents one of the largest corruption scandals involving a state government official in recent years.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, particularly when it involves senior government officials with significant political connections.