N6.5 bn Scandal: Police Bar CSOs Protest In Kano, Barricade EFCC Office

Police in Kano have stopped the Forum of Kano CSOs Against Corruption from staging a protest calling for the prosecution of the Kano governor’s aide accused of corrupt acts involving N6.5 billion.

Responding to calls from LEADERSHIP Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Haruna Kiyawa dismissed the claims that the police barred the CSOs from staging a protest.

“There was no barricade staged anywhere, it was a usual routine security work by the police across the metropolis”, he stated.

However, confirming the incident, the CSOs held a press conference in Kano on Thursday to support and encourage the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to stand firm and resolute in ensuring justice is done.

Addressing the press conference, Abdullahi Muhammad, of the Arewa Initiative of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian, one of the seven CSOs present, alleged that billions of monies are being syphoned from the treasuries by some individuals.

“We stand united because corruption is killing Kano. Public trust has been betrayed, billions have been syphoned, and the people continue to suffer while a few individuals enrich themselves,” he stated.

He further mentioned scandals before the state government to further buttress his assertions including diversion of federal government palliatives, Novomed drug scandal, ACRISAL contract scandal, N50,000 women cash support scheme and the metropolitan road projects.

The group further called on the state government to set up an investigation into the N6.5 billion scandal and deal with those in involved accordingly.

They also called on the judiciary to act fairly and resist compromise, expressing dissatisfaction with recent rulings that frustrate prosecution of corruption cases thereby eroding public trust.

It would be recalled that the media reported that the Director General of Protocol to the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Rogo, allegedly diverted N6.5 billion in which N1.2 billion was recovered by the ICPC.