Kano civil society groups protest corruption, demand EFCC, ICPC action

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh | Kano

Hundreds of members of the Forum of Kano Civil Society Organisations (FKCSO) took to the streets of Kano on Thursday in a massive solidarity walk, demanding accountability and transparency in the state’s governance.

Chanting anti-corruption slogans and carrying placards, the protesters called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other anti-graft bodies to intensify investigations into alleged large-scale corruption involving state officials.

Addressing journalists at the end of the walk, FKCSO Convener, Abdullahi Muhammad, described the protest as a message of solidarity with anti-corruption institutions and a loud rejection of what he called the “institutionalized looting” of Kano’s resources.

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

He referenced recent allegations involving the Director General of Protocol to the Kano State Government, Abdullahi Rogo, who is accused of diverting ₦6.5 billion in public funds. While the ICPC has reportedly recovered ₦1.2 billion, Muhammad lamented what he called the state government’s attempt to “spin propaganda and deny the facts.”

According to him, the corruption cases go far beyond one individual.

“Between 2023 and 2025, Kano State received over ₦445 billion in federal allocations, excluding Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Yet, hospitals are unequipped, schools are collapsing, and poverty continues to rise. It is unacceptable,” he said.

Muhammad stressed that the looted ₦6.5 billion alone could have made significant impacts in the state:

“That money could have provided clean water, improved schools, funded national exams, reopened technical colleges, and built modern hospitals. Instead, it’s in the pockets of a few.”

The group called on the EFCC and ICPC to resist pressure and interference, and pursue all cases to a logical conclusion.

They also urged the Kano State House of Assembly to open its own investigation, and called on the judiciary to resist political influence and ensure justice is served.

The Forum decried alleged intimidation of journalists and activists who speak out against the administration:

“Silencing dissent is an assault on democracy. We call on the people of Kano—regardless of political affiliation—to stand against corruption. This is about justice, not party politics,” Muhammad concluded.