Connect with us

News

Alleged N2.8bn Fraud: Kano Govt Files Charges Against Former Commissioner, Six Others

Published

2 years ago

on

Court Sign

Kano state government has filed seven count charges before a state high court against former Kano State commissioner for local government, Murtala Sule Garo, Mohd Sule Garo, Mustapha Sule Garo, Isah Musa Kera, MJ Multipurpose Services Ltd, A.U Future Investment Ltd and Shoreditch General Resources Ltd bothering on alleged diversion of N2.8bn.

The charges were filed by the Attorney General of Kano State, with the power conferred upon him by section 211 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 (as amended) and Section 121(1), 126(b) and 377 of the administration of criminal justice Law, 2019 through his Counsel, Auwal Abdulqadri Sani ESQ.

In the charge sheet, the state government accused the first defendant and others of allegedly diverting local government stabilisation funds and one percent training fund from April 2020 to May 2023.

It reads, FIRST HEAD OF CHARGE, ‘’That you, MURTALA SULE GARO male, adult together with MOHD SULE GARO and MUSTAPHA SULE GARO males, adults, your biological brothers, between the periods of April, 2020 to May 2023, in Kano or thereabout, in the Kano Judicial Division in your capacity as a public servant, to wit, the Commissioner of the Ministry for Local Government, in the service of Kano State government and being charged with the receipt, custody and disbursement of the stabilization funds belonging to the 44 local government areas of Kano State being funds received by the State Ministry for local government for and on behalf of the 44 localgovernments areas of the state credited to Kano State Local Government Stabilization account domicile at Unity Bank PLC Sani Abacha way Branch, Kano with account No.0041134229 amounted to Twenty Six Billion Nine hundred and Seven Million Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand Fifty Five Naira Ninety Four Kobo [N26,907,272,055.94] fraudulently and dishonestly without reasonable justification in abuse of your office conspired with 2nd and 3rd Defendants [your brothers] and diverted the total sum of One Billion Three Hundred and Eighty Nine Million Nine Hundred and Twenty Four Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Nine Naira (N1,389,924,999) through the corporate account of MJ MULTIPURPOSE SERVICES LTD [5th Defendant] domicile at Guarantee Trust Bank PLC with account No.0142582063 the monies which you converted for your own personal and private use thereby causing wrongful gain to yourself and wrongful loss to the Government and People of Kano State and thereby committed an offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to Section 96 andand punishable under Section 97 of The Penal Code [as amended], CAP. 105, Vol. 2. The Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria.

That you, MURTALA SULE GARO male, adult together with MOHD SULE GARO and MUSTAPHA SULE GARO males, adults, your biological brothers, between the periods of April, 2020 to May 2023 or thereabout, in Kano, in the Kano Judicial Division in your capacity as a public servant, to wit, the Commissioner of the Ministry for Local Government, in the service of Kano State government and being charged with the receipt, custody and disbursement of the stabilization funds belonging to the 44 local government areas of Kano State being funds received by the State Ministry for local government for and on behalf of the 44 localgovernments areas of the state credited to Kano State Local Government Stabilization account domicile at Unity Bank PLC Sani Abacha way Branch, Kano with account No.0041134229 amounted to Twenty Six Billion Nine hundred and Seven Million Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand Fifty Five Naira Ninety Four Kobo [N26,907,272,055.94] fraudulently and dishonestly without reasonable justification in abuse of your office conspired with 2nd and 3rd defendants [your brothers] and diverted the total sum of One Billion Three Hundred and Eighty Nine Million Nine Hundred and Twenty Four Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Nine Naira [N1,389,924,999] through the corporate account of MJ MULTIPURPOSE SERVICES LTD [5th Defendant] domicile at GTBank No.0142582063 the monies which you later converted for your own use in acquiring movable and immovable properties including a choice apartment at Hilton Suites in MakkahSaudi Arabia, thereby causing wrongful gain to yourself and wrongful loss to the Government and People of Kano State and thereby committed an offence of Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and punishable under section 315 of The Code [as amended], CAP. 105, Vol. 2. The Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.”

Advert

The charge sheet read that “between the periods of April, 2020 to May 2023 or thereabout, in Kano, in the Kano Judicial Division in your capacity as a public servant, to wit, the Commissioner of the Ministry for Local Government, in the service of Kano State government and being charged with the receipt, custody and disbursement of the stabilization funds belonging to the 44 local government areas of Kano State being funds received by the State Ministry for local government for and on behalf of the 44 local governments areas of the state credited toKano State Local Government Stabilization account domicile at Unity Bank PLC Sani Abacha way Branch, Kano No.0041134229 amounted to Twenty Six Billion Nine hundred and Seven Million Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand Fifty Five Naira Ninety Four Kobo [N26,907,272,055.94] fraudulently and dishonestly without reasonable justification in abuse of your office, diverted the total sum of Four Hundred and Twenty Seven Million Seven Hundred and Fifty Two Thousand Five Hundred Naira [427,752,500] through the corporate account of a company you caused to be formed SHOREDITCH GENERAL RESOURCES LTD [7th Defendant] domicile at FCMB with account No.6501553017 the monies part of which was channeled through the 5th Defendant company account that you later converted in connivance with the 2nd and 3rd defendants [your brothers] to your own personal and private use thereby causing wrongful gain to yourself and wrongful loss to the Government People of Kano State and thereby committed an offence of Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and punishable under section 315 of The Penal as amended), CAP. 105, Vol. 2. The Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.

That you, MURTALA SULE GARO male, adult together with ISAH MUSA KERA male, adult, one time director recruitment and training of the Ministry for local government, between the periods of June, 2017 to January, 2023 or thereabout, in Kano, in the Kano Judicial Division in your capacity as a public servant, to wit, the Commissioner of the Ministry for Local Government, in the service of Kano State government and being charged with the rec noeipt, custody and management of 1% training funds being control by the Ministry for local government for the benefit of the 44 local government areas of Kano State, received by the State Ministry for local government for and on behalf of the 44 local governments areas of the state credited to Kano State Ministry for Local Government account domicile at Unity Bank PLC Bello Road Branch, Kano with account No.0005165708 amounted to Three Billion
Eight Hundred and Twenty Six Million Six Hundred and Eight Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Naira Eighty Nine Kobo [N3,826,608,770.89] fraudulently and dishonestly without reasonable justification in abuse of your office conspired with the 4th defendant ISAH MUSA KERA [your Subordinate Staff] and diverted the total sum of Three Hundred and One Million Twenty Six Thousand Eight Hundred Naira [N301,026,800]  the monies which you conspire and withdrawn in cash in violation ofof extent laws, rules and regulation and vanished for your own personal and private use thereby causing wrongful gain to yourself and wrongful loss to the Government and People of Kano State and thereby committed an offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of The Penal Code [as amended], CAP. 105, Vol. 2. The Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria.

That you, MURTALA SULE GARO male, adult, between the periods of April, 2020 to May 2023, in Kano or thereabout, in the Kano Judicial Division in your capacity as a public servant, to wit, the Commissioner of the Ministry for Local Government, in the service of Kano State government and being charged with the receipt, custody and disbursement of the stabilization funds belonging to the 44 local government areas of Kano State being funds received by the State Ministry for local government for and on behalf of the 44 local governments areas of the state credited to Kano State Local Government Sterilization account domicile at Unity Bank PLC Sani Abacha way Branch, Kano with account No.0041134229 amounted to Twenty Six Billion Nine hundred and Seven Million Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand Fifty Five Naira Ninety Four Kobo (N26,907,272,055.94) fraudulently and dishonestly without reasonable justification in abuse of your office diverted the total sum of Hundred and Eighty Nine Million Nine Hundred and Twenty Four Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Nine Naira (N690,063,500) through the corporate accountof a company solely owned and controlled by your brothers, A.U FUTURE INVESTMENT LTD (6 Defendant domicile at Zenith Bank PLC with Account No.1017680843 the monies that was lat channels to your company MJ MULTIPURPOSE SERVICES LTD (5th Defendant and which you converted for your own personal and private use thereby causing wrongful gain to yourself and wrongful loss to the Government and People of Kano State and thereby committed an offense using wrongful gain to yourself and wrongful loss to the Government and People of Kano State and
and thereby committed the offense Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and punishable under section of The Penal Code (as amended), CAP. 105, Vol. 2. The Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.”

Related Topics:

News

Xenophobia: FG Hints at Economic Crackdown on South African Giants MTN, DStv

Published

9 hours ago

on

June 18, 2026

By

 

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has hinted at possible measures against South African companies operating in Nigeria, including telecommunications giant MTN, as outrage grows over the continued harassment and attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Thursday, while addressing concerns over the worsening anti-migrant attacks in South Africa and the evacuation of Nigerians from the country.

The minister said Nigeria had exercised restraint and continued to pursue diplomatic engagements but warned that the government might be compelled to explore other options if the attacks persist.

“As I indicated before, there are these huge conglomerates. By the way, there are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria.

“Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity. Nobody is asking South African staff working there whether they are South Africans or Nigerians, and nobody is taking over their shops or businesses.

Advert

“But this is happening to Nigerians in South Africa. So, I think that at some point, we really have to review the options available to us.

“We have MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic, Protea and many other South African brands spanning multiple sectors,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

The minister, however, stressed that any retaliatory measures would have to follow constitutional provisions and due legislative process.

She explained that the Federal Government was currently engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels, while the National Assembly would play a constitutional role in determining Nigeria’s response should those efforts fail.

The minister also disclosed that the South African authorities discarded their memorandum of understanding with Nigeria on early warning mechanism which they had signed in October 2025.

She added that the pact was essentially to protect the lives and property of both Nigerians and South Africans in times of conflict like this.

“When it comes to situations like this, of course, it is necessary to be temperate and exercise caution. But when your citizens are being harassed, when your citizens are people who have spent years there, and mind you, some of them are married to South Africans and have children who have known no other home but South Africa, then it becomes a serious concern.

“Now, under these circumstances, they are asking not just Nigerians, but also their South African spouses and their children, to leave South Africa,” the minister said.

Recall that in May, th esenator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, called for the revocation of licences of South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN and MultiChoice, owners of DSTV, following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

The National Assembly also condemned the attacks, urging the federal government to take immediate diplomatic and protective measures to safeguard Nigerian citizens abroad.

Continue Reading

News

Accord Party Members in Kano Back Court Ruling, Reaffirm Support for Olawepo-Hashim

Published

10 hours ago

on

June 18, 2026

By

 

Members, stakeholders and supporters of the Accord Party in Kano State have welcomed the recent intervention of the Court of Appeal in Abuja over the attempted deregistration of political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the decision as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting of Accord Party members and supporters of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim held on Saturday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat Conference Hall in Kano, according to the statement signed by the party’s Women Leader, Ambassador Aisha Ibrahim Ya’u, and North West Coordinator, Bashir Muhammad Goje Alade.

According to the communiqué, representatives from all 44 local government areas of Kano State attended the meeting to deliberate on recent judicial developments surrounding the Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the Accord Party.

The gathering commended the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja for granting a stay of execution of the Federal High Court judgment, stating that the appellate court’s action demonstrated a commitment to justice, due process and constitutional governance, according to the communiqué.

The party members expressed confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, describing it as a critical institution for safeguarding democracy and protecting citizens’ rights, the statement said. They noted that the Court of Appeal’s intervention had strengthened public trust in the judicial process and reaffirmed the importance of respecting established legal procedures.

Advert

The meeting also reassured party members and supporters that the Accord Party remains a legally recognised political party pending the final determination of the matter before the courts, according to the communiqué. Participants stressed that all structures, organs and activities of the party remain valid and operational across the country.

In addition, attendees emphasised the importance of political pluralism in sustaining democratic governance, arguing that citizens should continue to enjoy a wide range of political choices, the statement noted. The meeting pledged support for all lawful efforts aimed at preserving multiparty democracy and promoting inclusive political participation.

The stakeholders commended Accord Party members across Kano State and other parts of the country for remaining calm and committed despite the uncertainty generated by the legal dispute, according to the communiqué. They praised supporters for demonstrating maturity and dedication to democratic ideals during the period.

The meeting further reaffirmed its support for Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, describing him as a leader committed to national unity, prosperity and democratic development, the statement said. Participants urged party supporters to remain peaceful and focused on advancing the programmes and objectives of the party.

The stakeholders also called on political actors, institutions and other interested parties to respect ongoing judicial proceedings and avoid comments or actions that could interfere with the legal process, according to the communiqué.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants passed a unanimous vote of confidence in the leadership of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, citing his efforts to strengthen the Accord Party’s structures and presence across wards, local government areas and communities in Kano State and throughout Nigeria, the statement added.

The communiqué was jointly signed by Ambassador Aisha Ibrahim Ya’u, Women Leader, and Bashir Muhammad Goje Alade, North West Coordinator of the Accord Party support group.

 

Continue Reading

News

In a leaked letter: Deputy Senate President Writes Minister, Seeks Revocation of multi billion Naira Kano–Gwarzo–Dayi Road Contract Over Poor Performance

Published

12 hours ago

on

June 18, 2026

By

 

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has written to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, requesting the revocation of the contract for the Kano–Gwarzo–Dayi Road project due to the contractor’s poor performance.

The project involves upgrading the approximately 100-kilometre single-lane Kano–Gwarzo–Dayi road into a dual carriageway to improve transportation and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce from rural communities to markets across neighbouring states.

In a leaked letter, sighted by our correspondent which was personally signed by Senator Barau, the lawmaker expressed serious concern over the performance of CGC Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the project, which was received at the Ministry of Works headquarters on June 8, 2026, noted that despite the allocations of billions to the company.

Advert

Senator Barau stressed that the continued delay in completing the project has negatively affected residents, commuters, and economic activities along the corridor, and called for urgent and immediate action by the Ministry of Works.

According to the letter:
“Given the strategic importance of the Kano–Dayi Road to the socio-economic development of Kano, Katsina and Kebbi States, it is deeply concerning that the contractor has failed to make satisfactory progress despite the allocation of N19 billion and N37 billion to the project under the 2025 and 2026 Appropriation Acts, respectively.

“This persistent lack of progress has resulted in undue hardship for residents, commuters, and other road users.

“In view of the persistent delays and the contractor’s apparent inability to meet expected project milestones, I urge the Ministry to undertake an immediate assessment of its performance and revoke the contract in the interest of the public.”

 

Continue Reading

Trending