EFCC arrests Kano ex-speaker over alleged N1.5b fraud

The Kano State Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Speaker and now Minority Leader of the Kano State House of Assembly, Isiyaku Ali Danja for alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of N1.5b constituency projects fund.

EFCC Spokesman, Tony Orilade disclosed yesterday in Abuja that Danja was arrested following a petition that funds meant for payment of taxes to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) by Kano State Government were allegedly diverted and misappropriated N1.5b from the state government’s sub-treasury account.

According to Orilade, several suspicious payments were allegedly traced to some beneficiaries, including some made to Allad Drilling Limited, in which the suspect is the sole signatory.

He also disclosed that EFCC’s investigation further revealed that the suspect personally withdrew cash on several occasions, while he was the only one who could officially state whether jobs were done before any payments could be made.

The Guardian recalled that the EFCC had earlier arrested the state’s Commissioner for Special Duties, Mukhtar Ishaq for allegedly diverting funds meant for the Kano Municipal Council Area, while he was chairman of the local government.

The EFCC had arrested Mukhtar following a petition alleging that while he was chairman of Kano Municipal, he diverted funds meant for projects, development, and empowerment of the people.

The petitioner also alleged that Mukhtar ordered the deduction of N30,000 from the account of each council member without justification.

Mukhtar was also alleged to have converted property of Kofar Nasarawa Primary School, Kano, into shops, sold them for N10 million each and diverted the money to personal use.

The commission said both suspects would be charged to court after investigations.