The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has launched a new investigation into the alleged diversion of more than ₦4 billion in state funds by the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The money was reportedly channelled into the Dala Inland Dry Port (DIDP) project, despite claims that the state had already lost its equity stake.
According to sources, the funds were released in 2020 under the pretext of developing infrastructure for the inland port. However, Kano State’s 20 per cent share was allegedly transferred to members of the Ganduje family, who became directors and shareholders, effectively excluding the state from the project.
PCACC Confirms Investigation Progress
Confirming the development, PCACC Chairman, Saidu Yahya, said the Commission had received several petitions alleging large-scale financial mismanagement linked to the Dala project.
“Yes, we received petitions regarding the alleged diversion of over ₦4 billion of Kano State funds into the Dala Inland Dry Port by the immediate past administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje,” Yahya stated.
He explained that the investigation was at an advanced stage, with several individuals already questioned. One suspect has reportedly been arrested and released on bail after providing “useful information,” while another person of interest, believed to be in Yola, Adamawa State, is being sought for interrogation.
“The matter will soon be taken to court, as a prima facie case has been established,” Yahya confirmed.
The alleged transfer of the state’s equity stake and the subsequent release of funds without due process have raised serious questions about transparency and accountability under the previous administration.
Company Denies Any Links to Ganduje Family
In response, the management of Dala Inland Dry Port issued a statement denying the allegations, insisting that neither the Ganduje family nor the Kano State Government holds any ownership interest or directorial role in the company.
In a press release signed by Company Secretary, Barrister Adamu Aliyu Sanda, the firm described the reports as “false and misleading,” stating that verified Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) documents show no record of ownership by the Ganduje family or the Kano government.
Key Points from the Company’s Response:
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No Ganduje Family Ownership:
DIDP stated that CAC records confirm that neither Dr Ganduje nor his family members have ever held shares, directorship, or signatory authority in the company. It added that the firm was initially managed by Ahmad Rabi’u, who sold 80 per cent of his stake to City Green Enterprises (CGE) while retaining 20 per cent, for which full payment is still pending. -
Forgery Allegation Against Ex-MD:
The company alleged that a document showing the allocation of shares to Ganduje’s children was forged by Rabi’u without the board’s consent, describing it as a politically motivated attempt to discredit the company after his removal as Managing Director. -
Kano State Never an Equity Holder:
DIDP maintained that the state’s involvement was limited to providing infrastructure support as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, not as an investor. -
No State Representation on the Board:
The company denied claims that a Kano State representative named Abdullahi Haruna served on its board, stating that no such individual had ever participated in its operations.
“You cannot remove an entity that never existed as a shareholder or director,” the statement read. “CAC filings from inception confirm that neither the Ganduje family nor the Kano State Government has appeared in the company’s ownership structure.”
The management described the allegations as a “coordinated attempt to tarnish Dr Ganduje’s reputation.”
Public Reaction and Demand for Transparency
The revelations have sparked public outrage in Kano, with civil society organisations and residents calling for a full investigation and recovery of any misappropriated funds.
“It is disturbing that such a large amount could be spent on a project the state no longer owned,” said activist Musa Aliyu. “We commend the PCACC’s effort and urge it to ensure justice is served.”
The Dala Inland Dry Port, conceived as a major trade and logistics hub for northern Nigeria, has now become the focus of a politically charged corruption case.
With the PCACC nearing the end of its investigation and prosecution expected soon, the case is shaping up to be one of the most significant corruption probes linked to the Ganduje era.