The Kano State Government has dismissed allegations that its Director-General of Protocol, Abdullahi Rogo, misappropriated N6.5 billion from state funds, describing the claims as politically motivated falsehoods aimed at undermining Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration.
The response comes amid ongoing investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the alleged diversion of state funds through networks of front companies, bureau de change operators, and personal accounts linked to Rogo.
In a statement on Monday, signed by the state’s Director-General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, the government said the allegations were part of a smear campaign orchestrated by opposition elements seeking to distract the governor ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Without prejudice to the ongoing litigation on the matter, the government is obliged to provide the public with the nitty-gritty of the Directorate of Protocol’s operations, which is not different from structures obtainable in all states and the federal government,” the statement read.
The government clarified that all financial transactions within Kano State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are budgeted with clear expenditure codes, and no official has access to funds outside approved purposes. It said the Directorate of Protocol manages logistics, welfare, accommodation, and itineraries for the governor, as well as support for visiting dignitaries, including the president, ministers, and diplomats.
“Over 95 per cent of the responsibilities of the Directorate involve large volumes of financial transactions, more often than not settling liabilities incurred on the state at the instance of His Excellency,” the statement added, expressing confidence in Rogo and insisting he is being unfairly targeted.
The Yusuf administration also criticized the previous government, led by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, alleging financial recklessness, including the withdrawal of over N20 billion through the Protocol Directorate within three months between February and May 2023. The statement further referenced a widely circulated “dollar-bribe” video involving Ganduje and cited alleged land grabs and unlawful takeover of public assets by his associates.
“Members of the public should note that the Government of Kano State has absolutely nothing to hide. Any government official, including the Director-General of Protocol, is always ready to provide explanations to anti-graft agencies whenever necessary,” the statement said, adding that the Protocol Office operates strictly under established rules and approvals.
While defending the administration, the statement stressed that the government would pursue accountability and transparency, but warned that it would take legal action against individuals spreading misinformation.
“As the case stands before a court of competent jurisdiction, the Kano State Government will remain indifferent until the matter is determined at the appropriate time,” it said.
Despite the state’s defense, ICPC investigators have reportedly recovered N1.3 billion linked to Rogo, including funds allegedly laundered through corporate fronts and personal accounts. Two of his Zenith Bank accounts have been frozen under Post No Debit restrictions. ICPC has maintained that Rogo diverted billions of naira and accused the recent High Court ruling—which restrained further investigation and awarded Rogo N2 million in costs—of shielding a powerful official from accountability.
