The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is investigating a suspected N6.5 billion fraud and money laundering scheme linked to Kano State officials.
Investigators said a N1.17 billion payment served as the foundation of the alleged scheme, with Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, Commissioner for Community and Rural Development, accused of conspiring with Abdullahi Rogo, Director-General of Protocol to Governor Abba Yusuf, to divert funds through bureau de change (BDC) operators.
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According to ICPC documents, Mr Abdulsalam authorised the payments using fabricated “letters of authority” purportedly issued by A.Y. Mai Kifi Oil and Gas Ltd. and Ammas Petroleum Company Ltd. The managing directors of both firms later disowned the contracts, telling investigators they had signed the documents under the instruction of the former accountant-general.
Although Mr Abdulsalam admitted authorising the payments, investigators said he could not explain why the funds were routed through BDC operators. He did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment.
Witness statements reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES indicate that on November 9, 2023, N1.17 billion was withdrawn from Kano State’s Federation Account Allocation and transferred to BDC operators Gali Muhammad and Nasiru Adamu, managing directors of Kazo Nazo and Namu Nakune. Mr Muhammad allegedly delivered $1 million in cash to Mr Rogo at the Kano Liaison Office in Asokoro, Abuja.
The ICPC said the evidence shows that Mr Abdulsalam and Mr Rogo colluded to launder public funds through the currency market. So far, N1.1 billion of the diverted money has been recovered into the commission’s account.
