The League of Civil Society Organization in Kano has alleged that it’s members are being intimidated over calls made on the state government to prosecute officials involved in the N6.5 billion scandal.
This is contained in a statement issued by the 20-member group in the state on Monday alleging disturbing threats, intimidation and harassment.
The group, which includes Comrade Bala Abdullahi of Wuro Development Concerns (WDCN), Yushau Sani Yankuzo of Center For Human Rights and Social Development (CEFSAN), Muhammad Bello of African Centre For Innovative Research and Development (Afri-CIRD) and Adeniyi Aremu of Civil Society Organization for Conflict Resolution (CS-CRIN), among others, cried out that they are under threat for seeking accountability as two of it’s members were coarsed into making public statements denouncing the group.
“Regrettably, since the release of that statement, some of our members have come under intense pressure, harassment, and outright threats from influential individuals and vested interests determined to silence our collective voice. In fact, two members of our coalition, after sustained intimidation of their families and relatives, were coerced into issuing disclaimers and withdrawing their earlier stance. This worrisome development clearly points to an orchestrated attempt to weaken civil society’s role as watchdogs of democracy and accountability in Kano State.
“Even more troubling are credible reports that certain powerful individuals, dissatisfied with our principled position, are now resorting to manufacturing sinister measures to clampdown on us. These measures include the use of state apparatus to intimidate our organizations aimed at distracting and silencing the leading voices in our coalition” the group claims.
The group further warns against being intimidated by the state and it’s machinery or being harassed.
“Any harm, harassment, or intimidation meted out to any of our members or their families should be traced directly to these individuals and their collaborators within the system. We hold the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies in Kano and at the federal level fully responsible for the safety of our members.
“Our call for accountability remains unwavering. Demanding the suspension of indicted officials is not a witch-hunt but a universally accepted governance practice in line with the principles of rule of law, public trust, and administrative fairness. Allowing such officials to remain in office during investigations undermines credibility, compromises due process, and erodes public confidence in the administration.
“Civil society organizations will not be cowed. The bedrock of democracy is the ability of citizens and civic groups to hold leaders accountable without fear of persecution. Any attempt to criminalize legitimate civic engagement sets a dangerous precedent that endangers both democracy and social justice in Kano State.
“We reaffirm our commitment to transparency and accountability. Our advocacy is not targeted at individuals but at promoting a culture of good governance, where public office is treated as a trust, not a privilege” the group says.
The group further called on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to reassure the public by ensuring that those officials who are accused of corruption step aside until cleared.
It called on security agencies (Police, DSS, Civil Defence, etc.) to act proactively in shielding CSO leaders from intimidation, harassment, and harm.
It also called on the media and the Nigerian public to stand in solidarity with them in their difficult moment, saying “an attack on one civic voice is an attack on all who value democracy and accountability.
“The international community and human rights organizations to take note of these threats, as shrinking civic space in Kano undermines broader democratic governance and citizens’ welfare”.
Above all, the people of Kano deserve a government they can trust—one that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to their needs. As CSOs, our responsibility is to ensure that trust is upheld, regardless of intimidation or smear campaigns.
It would be recalled that on Saturday, August 23, 2024, a Coalition of 20 CSOs, raised alarm over the grave implications of allowing government officials who are accused of corruption to continue to occupy sensitive public offices.
The group urged the state government to demonstrate its commitment to accountability and transparency by suspending the affected officials until investigations are concluded. “This measure was intended not only to protect the integrity of government but also to restore public confidence in governance” the group claimed.
The group said in July, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) concluded investigations into an alleged N1.02 billion money laundering scheme involving the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Sani Lawan Malumfashi, the Commission’s Secretary, Anas Mustapha, and a Deputy Director, Ado Garba.
According to the ICPC, the officials diverted funds from the Commission’s account to a private company under the pretext of paying ad hoc electoral staff—despite banks having already handled the disbursement.
Barely a month later, another scandal broke involving the Director General of Protocol at Government House, Abdullahi Ibrahim-Rogo, who was accused of siphoning N6.5 billion through proxies and bureau de change operators.
Both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and ICPC alleged that Mr. Rogo used firms including H&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas Limited to launder funds through fictitious contracts.
It was against these backdrops that the League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano State demanded the suspension of the affected officials to preserve public confidence in government.
