By Abiola Olawale
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has launched an investigation into an alleged diversion of over ₦4 billion in public funds during the tenure of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The New Diplomat reports that the probe is said to be centered on the Dala Inland Dry Port project.
The PCACC Chairman, Saidu Yahya, has confirmed that the agency is investigating Ganduje’s administration as Governor of Kano State.
He said that the agency’s actions were triggered by a barrage of citizen petitions demanding accountability for what critics are calling a “brazen misuse of public funds for private gain.”
According to him, at the heart of the controversy lies the Dala Inland Dry Port, a multi-billion-naira infrastructure initiative originally designed to boost Kano’s trade and logistics sector.
“Yes, we received petitions from the public on the alleged over ₦4 billion Kano State fund diverted into the Dala Inland Dry Port by the immediate past administration of Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje,” Yahya said.
He noted that the investigation is at an advanced stage, with several persons of interest already invited for questioning. One individual has reportedly been arrested and released on bail after providing what the Commission termed “vital information.”
Another key individual connected to the probe is said to be residing in Yola, Adamawa State, and efforts are underway to bring them in for questioning.
“The matter would soon be charged to court, as a prima facie case has already been established,” Yahya confirmed.
However, in a swift response, the management of Dala Inland Dry Port issued a press statement strongly denying any ownership links to the Ganduje family or the Kano State Government.
In the statement signed by the Company Secretary, Barr. Adamu Aliyu Sanda, the company described the reports as “false and misleading,” stating that no member of the Ganduje family has ever held shares, directorship, or signatory authority in the company.
The company insisted that records from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) confirm that neither Ganduje nor his family members have any ownership or official involvement in DIDP. The company was initially controlled by Ahmad Rabi’u before 80% was sold to City Green Enterprises (CGE). The remaining 20% is held by Rabi’u, who allegedly has not completed payment for it.
The statement reads in part: “You cannot ‘remove’ an entity that never existed as a shareholder or director in the first place.
“CAC filings from inception to date confirm that neither the Ganduje family nor the Kano state government has ever appeared in the company’s ownership or directorship structure.”
The management described the allegations as part of a “coordinated attempt to malign Ganduje’s reputation.”
