As part of their investigation into the viral dollar video, the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has formally summoned Abdullahi Ganduje, the former governor of the state, to appear before them within a seven-day period.
In a related development, the state government has officially withdrawn the lawsuit that was initiated by Abdullahi Ganduje during his tenure as governor, aiming to challenge the ongoing investigation into the allegations made against him.
Muhyi Rimingado, the Chairman of the commission, briefed journalists in Kano yesterday, disclosing that the former governor has been formally invited through an invitation letter to clarify the corruption allegations against him by responding to the commission’s questions.
He affirmed that the commission is authorized to investigate corruption allegations against individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds or societal roles.
‘We have a forensic arrangement with experts to analyse the video and would do everything possible to investigate the matter and any other issue regarding corruption in Kano.’
‘Following up on our pledge to follow due process as usual in the investigation of the alleged bribery videos (also known as dollar videos) involving the former governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.’
‘The commission is expecting the former governor to appear before it next week to have the opportunity to clear his name in the ongoing investigation.’
‘I have signed a letter to invite him for questioning at the commission next week because this is what the law says and we will provide ample opportunity for him to defend himself. said Muhyi.’
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‘There is what the law provides, the law is coercive in nature, it compels obedience. The law doesn’t lobby you to come and do certain things.’
‘There are procedures and we will follow all the necessary steps to do what is needful,’ Rimingado said.
He added that forensic examination experts have conducted an analysis of the viral video, concluding that it was not doctored or manipulated in any manner.
Rimingado, while participating in a one-day public dialogue on the anti-corruption crusade in Kano, responded to questions by disclosing that the commission had apprehended a former commissioner who had worked under Governor Ganduje in their initial month in office. The ex-commissioner is presently undergoing interrogation on charges related to a N1 billion fraud.
He reiterated the PCACC’s dedication to recovering misappropriated public funds, summing up to N100 billion, and urged the public to actively contribute to combating corruption in society.
Muhammad Garba, the former Commission for Information and Internal Affairs in the state, contradicted earlier statements by stating to reporters yesterday that the former governor had not been handed the invitation letter.
The Kano state government has withdrawn the lawsuit that had been blocking the investigation of the alleged Dollar video, thereby allowing the process to proceed in relation to Governor Ganduje.
In addition, the Kano State government has officially submitted a notice of withdrawal of a lawsuit filed before the Federal High Court in Kano against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The lawsuit aimed to halt any future invitations, investigations, or interrogations of the former governor.
The notice of discontinuance of the suit filed by Mrs. Amina Yusuf Yargaya, the Solicitor General of the Kano State Ministry for Justice, cites the application made under Order 50 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019, as amended.
Addressed to Sanusi Musa, SAN, a letter written by Haruna Isa Dederi, the Kano Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, on July 4, 2023, reads: ‘We write to notify you that Kano State government and the Attorney General of Kano State wish to debrief you of the earlier instructions given to you to handle the case NO: FHC/ KN/71/2023 between Attorney General of Kano State and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.’
‘You and your team members are, therefore, instructed not to take any further steps on the matter, either by appearing in court or filing any processes in respect of the case.’
During the time when former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was in power, the Kano State government, through the Ministry of Justice, issued a fiat instrument to Sanusi Musa, SAN, from Aliyu & Musa Legal Practitioner. This fiat instrument empowered him to file a case aimed at prohibiting the EFCC from investigating the controversial dollar video.
However, the incumbent governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, directed the current Attorney General to terminate the case.
The Federal High Court in Abuja granted a restraining order against the defendant, EFCC, in relation to the video clips alleging bribery involving the former governor of Kano State, Ganduje.
This order specifically prohibited the EFCC from proceeding with the invitation, interrogation, and investigation of the Executive Chairman, Director of State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB), and Accountant General of Kano State.