Kano N6.5bn diversion: Provide evidence, not blanket denial – Hikima tells Gov Yusuf

Kano-based human rights activist and lawyer, Abba Hikima, has challenged the Kano State Government to address the N6.5 billion diversion allegations with clear evidence rather than outright denial.

Speaking on the controversy, Hikima stressed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration—elected on a campaign of zero tolerance for corruption—must demonstrate its commitment to accountability by either presenting convincing evidence to clear its name or prosecuting those found culpable.

He argued that dismissing the allegations as mere falsehoods or pointing fingers at the previous Ganduje administration was inadequate.

“We fought against Ganduje’s administration because of corruption allegations. If Abba’s government is now being accused of the same, after promising zero tolerance for corruption, it must defend itself with verifiable facts or take action against those involved,” Hikima said.

The activist outlined specific concerns raised in the case, including: The suspect allegedly admitting guilt in a statement, with some funds already forfeited by court order;  the ICPC reportedly recovering over ₦1 billion from the suspect and depositing it into government recovery accounts.

Also outlined include the public funds allegedly being funneled into a private account before being diverted and claims of illicit foreign currency transactions through Abuja-based Bureau de Change operators, beyond legal limits and without due process.

Hikima maintained that these allegations must be addressed point by point rather than dismissed wholesale.

According to him, opposition parties naturally raise allegations, but it is the government’s responsibility to respond transparently and uphold the integrity of its anti-corruption stance.

“Any government that campaigned on rejecting corruption in all its forms carries the heavy responsibility of addressing such allegations convincingly,” Hikima added.