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The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 40 policemen providing security and investigation support to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (KSPCACC).
This order comes as the commission investigates multi-billion naira corruption allegations against the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje.
The withdrawal was communicated to the affected policemen via a text message on April 26, 2024, directing them to report back to the Command headquarters immediately.
The move has left the KSPCACC vulnerable, as the policemen were not only providing security to the commission’s headquarters but also assisting in anti-corruption investigations and securing seized properties under investigation.
A source within the commission expressed concern over the withdrawal, citing the irony of the situation.
Despite the withdrawal of security from the KSPCACC, the police have reportedly increased security around Ganduje to prevent his arrest.
The source also mentioned the vulnerability of the commission in the face of these actions.
The KSPCACC is currently investigating Ganduje, his wife Hafsat Umar, his son Umar Abdullahi Umar, and five others on eight-count charges related to corruption, misappropriation, diversion of funds, among other offenses amounting to billions of naira.
The charges include allegations of Ganduje receiving $200,000 as a benefit from one of the beneficiaries of contracts awarded by the Kano State Government and another instance of collecting a kickback of $213,000 through a contractor as a bribe.
The withdrawal of security from the KSPCACC by the IGP raises questions about the independence of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria and their ability to effectively carry out investigations without interference.
The move also highlights the challenges faced by anti-corruption agencies in the country as they attempt to hold public officials accountable for their actions.
As the situation unfolds, the public and the international community are watching closely to see how the KSPCACC will continue its investigation and whether the withdrawal of security will hinder its efforts to combat corruption in Kano State.
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