KANO, NIGERIA – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso over allegations of a N2.5 billion pension fraud. Sources indicate that Kwankwaso has already been summoned and questioned by EFCC officials.
EFCC Summons and Interrogation
An insider within the anti-graft agency, who requested anonymity due to a lack of authorization to speak publicly, confirmed that Kwankwaso has provided some details to EFCC interrogators. “The commission invited Kwankwaso over the alleged N2.5bn Kano pension funds. We have grilled Kwankwaso over the matter, and he has provided some details to interrogators,” the source said. Another source added, “Former Kano governor, Kwankwaso, has been invited by the commission. He has been grilled, and we’re continuing with our investigation.”
EFCC Spokesperson Declines Comment
When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
Previous Recoveries and Investigations
In March 2023, The PUNCH reported that the EFCC’s Abuja Zonal Command handed over documents for properties and 324 houses recovered for Kano State pensioners. These properties were forfeited following a court order from Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, resulting from successful EFCC investigations into a N4.1 billion Pension Trust Fund fraud.
The EFCC revealed that the Kano State government had entered into a tripartite agreement with the Kano State Pension Trust Fund to construct housing estates for a total of N41 billion, with the Pension Trust Fund contributing N4.1 billion. However, the funds contributed by the pensioners were used to build houses in three estates—Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmud Adam Bandirawo City, Sheikh Nasiru Kabara (Amana) City, and Sheikh Khalifa Ishaq Rabiu City. These houses were then fraudulently sold to cronies and associates of two former governors, leaving the pensioners with incomplete and low-budget houses.
Handover of Recovered Properties
Following the investigation, the EFCC secured a final forfeiture order for the 324 properties, which were handed over to the Kano State Pension Fund Trustees. During the handover ceremony, the Abuja Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Assistant Commander Adeniyi Adebayo, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to combating fraudulent practices in Nigeria. Representatives from the Kano State Pension Board expressed their gratitude to the EFCC for recovering the houses on behalf of the pensioners.
Political Tensions in Kano
The probe into Kwankwaso’s activities comes amidst political tensions between the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), led by Kwankwaso, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Recently, the state Assembly, loyal to Governor Abba Yusuf, a political ally of Kwankwaso, reversed Ganduje’s decision to split the Kano emirate into five parts. Yusuf also restored former Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi, whom Ganduje had dethroned as the Emir of Kano in 2020.