The Kano State Government has denied reports alleging that some of its political aides diverted N6.5bn from the state treasury for personal use.
The claims, which are currently before the Federal High Court in Kano, centre on the allegation that the Director-General of Protocol to the Governor, Abdullahi Rogo, masterminded the laundering of billions of naira through suspicious companies, Bureau De Change operators, and personal accounts.
Reacting to the claims in a statement on Monday, the Director-General of Media and Publicity to the Governor, Sanusi Tofa, dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
“While the government welcomes constructive criticism and lawful scrutiny, it will not hesitate to seek legal redress against those who persist in maligning its officials or attempting to incite the public with baseless allegations,” the statement warned.
The government specifically faulted an August 22, 2025, publication, describing it as “an ill-intended narrative most likely sponsored by political opponents.”
“First, the government makes bold to say every cash outflow into ministries, departments, and agencies is properly budgeted with clear codes spelt out in the fiscal policy of the state. Hence, no individual in government MDAs handles public funds without a proper designated purpose,” the statement added.
Defending the functions of the Protocol Directorate, the government explained that its responsibilities include logistics, welfare, and management of the governor’s itineraries, as well as providing support to visiting dignitaries.
“Expectedly, over 95 per cent of the responsibility of the Directorate of Protocol involves large volumes of financial transactions and, more often than not, settles liabilities incurred on the state at the instance of His Excellency,” the statement added.
While stressing its commitment to transparency and zero tolerance for corruption, the government said it stood by Rogo.
“The government is not in doubt of the credibility of the Director-General of Protocol, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo. We will not sacrifice the integrity of our aides to deliberate acts of political blackmail being orchestrated by unpatriotic elements,” it said.
The statement also accused opposition groups of sponsoring smear campaigns to destabilise the administration.
“The Kano State Government is aware of the nefarious activities of a particular opposition group seeking to pull the present administration down. They are struggling hard, using the digital space to blow the matter to misinform the general public,” the statement alleged.
Reassuring citizens, the statement said the public should note that the state government had absolutely nothing to hide.
“Any government official, including the Director-General of Protocol, is always ready to provide explanations to anti-graft agencies whenever necessary.
“The people of Kano State are therefore urged to see through this plot for what it is: an orchestrated smear campaign intended to distract the government from its people-centred programmes. These falsehoods will not succeed,” the statement noted.
In conclusion, the government reiterated that it remained firmly committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, and prudent utilisation of public funds.
“No amount of fabricated allegations, propaganda, or media trials will derail the resolve of this administration to serve diligently and uphold the trust of the people,” Tofa noted.
