The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in its ongoing investigation into alleged contract-related financial irregularities amounting to N6.5 billion, has recovered over N1.1 billion from the Director-General of Protocol at the Kano State Government House, Abdullahi Rogo.

The sum has been forfeited to the government’s recovery account.

A source at the ICPC, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the development.

According to official filings and statements, the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are conducting investigations into alleged misappropriation of public funds through fictitious contracts valued at approximately N6.5 billion.

Both anti-graft agencies have alleged use of corporate entities and personal accounts to channel public funds.

Court documents indicate that some of the funds were linked to contracts reportedly not awarded or executed.

In response to the investigations, Rogo initiated legal proceedings at the Kano State High Court in Bichi to challenge what he described as unlawful detention and potential prosecution.

However, during a hearing, a legal officer from the ICPC urged the court to dismiss the application, describing it as an attempt to hinder ongoing investigations.

The ICPC had approached the Federal High Court in an ex parte motion, seeking forfeiture of N142 million “reasonably suspected to have been acquired illegally.”

On May 7, the judge granted interim forfeiture of the funds and directed that a notice be published in a national newspaper, inviting anyone with an interest to show cause within a month why the money should not be permanently forfeited.

No claimant emerged. By July 2, the court ordered a final forfeiture of the N142 million, ruling that it represented proceeds of corruption connected to Mr. Rogo.

The Guardian learnt that investigations by both anti-corruption agencies remain active, and no criminal convictions have been recorded at press time.

But the Kano government has denied allegations of N6.5 billion diversion from the state treasury, describing the reports as politically motivated blackmail aimed at discrediting the Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.

In a statement yesterday by the Director General of Media and Publicity at the Government House, Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa, the state government refuted a recent publication that implicated the senior official, Rogo, in alleged financial misappropriation.

While acknowledging that the case is currently before the High Court, the government emphasised that all financial transactions in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are strictly governed by budgetary codes and public finance rules.

The Protocol Directorate, the statement said, merely executes administrative duties related to logistics, hospitality, and coordination of state visits under the governor’s directives.

The government maintained that 95 per cent of the directorate’s responsibilities involve financial transactions that are fully documented and approved. It also expressed full confidence in Rogo’s integrity, describing him as a credible and trusted aide.

The statement accused unnamed opposition groups of sponsoring misinformation campaigns in a bid to distract the administration and damage its reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the state government said it would not hesitate to seek legal redress against continued efforts to tarnish the image of its officials.

It added that the current administration welcomes constructive criticism, but would resist what it termed “orchestrated smear campaigns.”

“As the case stands before a competent court, the government will refrain from further comment until a legal determination is made,” the statement added.