Nigerian Governor’s Aide Enmeshed in ₦6.5 Billion Corruption, Money Laundering Scandal

A senior aide to the Kano State governor, Abdullahi Rogo, is at the centre of a massive corruption scandal involving the alleged diversion and laundering of ₦6.5 billion in public funds. Investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that Rogo, who serves as Director-General of Protocol, oversaw the movement of funds through a network of front companies and private accounts in a scheme described as elaborate and carefully concealed.

According to investigators, more than ₦1.3 billion linked to the aide has so far been recovered by the ICPC, with funds traced to both corporate fronts and his personal accounts. In July, the Federal High Court in Kano issued a final forfeiture order transferring ₦142 million, part of the illicit proceeds, to the federal government. The court had earlier granted an interim forfeiture in May after no claimant came forward to contest ownership of the sum.

Documents filed in court showed that the laundering operation relied on several companies, including H\&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas Limited. The latter two were alleged to have siphoned more than ₦1.17 billion from the Kano State treasury. Investigators said the money was converted to United States dollars through bureau de change operators and delivered in cash to Rogo. Of that sum, ₦1.1 billion has already been recovered.

Another front used in the scheme was a company account in the name of AH Bello Business Solutions Limited, domiciled at Alternative Bank. Though officially managed by Abdullahi Bello, the managing director of Ammas Petroleum, the ICPC claims the account was under the control of Rogo. Between August 2024 and February 2025, the account received ₦3.07 billion in inflows and recorded ₦2.6 billion in outflows, with a closing balance of ₦142.2 million as of February 10. That balance has now been forfeited following the court order. Funds from this account were allegedly funneled to bureau de change operators, friends, and family members, suggesting a deliberate effort to disguise their origin.

The scandal has thrown a spotlight on the handling of public funds in Kano State and raised questions about internal controls within the governor’s office. Efforts to obtain a response from the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting. The case, which investigators insist involves far more than the sums recovered so far, continues to unfold with further scrutiny expected in the coming weeks.