In Nigeria, tensions rise in Kano Kingdom as king faces finance corruption charges · Global Voices
King <PERSON> of Kano Kingdom sits on his throne in the palace, Kano state, Nigeria, September 2016. The king now faces serious allegations of financial corruption and misuse. Photo by <PERSON> via Wikimedia Commons: CC BY-SA 4.0.
An atmosphere of gloom settled over the ancient city of Kano in northern Nigeria, as the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission investigated King <PERSON> , the Emir of Kano Kingdom, for financial scandals that date back to 2017:
More trouble for Emir <PERSON> as Kano anti-corruption agency unveils 5 heavy allegations against Emirate Council https://t.co/Yt2CrP1wGK
— <PERSON> (@Awevooty) June 6, 2019
King <PERSON> of Kano Kingdom in northern Nigeria. Photo by <PERSON> via Wikimedia Commons, March 2017, CC BY SA 4.0.
“As a government instituted agency, we [started] investigating these accusations since 2017 to date. We are still in the process. 1017
Code 9 promulgated by the Kano House of Assembly grants us the mandate to investigate all institutions under Kano State government. And Kano Palace is among others,” <PERSON>, chairman of the commission, told Global Voices in an interview on May 30, 2019.
The Kingdom dates back to the year 999 as one of Nigeria’s largest kingdoms and exists within modern Kano State under the jurisdiction of state Governor <PERSON> .
<PERSON> has been at odds with King <PERSON> and made the controversial decision to break up the historic kingdom into five sub-domains, undermining the king's power.
The commission investigated King <PERSON> and three others — his palace chief of staff, <PERSON>, finance officer, <PERSON> and bookkeeper <PERSON> — for blowing nearly 3.4 billion Nigerian Naira (approximately $9,456,920 United States Dollars) since King <PERSON>'s coronation in 2014.
The commission released a report dated May 31 with five specific allegations lodged against the palace over misuse of funds between 2014-2017: They a warded illegal contracts to 21 shell companies; spent 117 million Naira to fuel generators ($325,481 USD); 54 million Naira expended on airtime and data ($150,210 USD); 105 million to an individual account ($292,075 USD); and 144 million Naira on hotel accommodation and flight tickets ($400,542 USD).
Kano govt queries Emir <PERSON> for allegedly misappropriating N3.4 billion https://t.co/FtF6sFVUQS pic.twitter.com/voQ1l9J6o6
— SK (@introvert_king) June 7, 2019
“…It is regrettable, and we further [see] that seven among these companies are not certified with the government,” <PERSON> said.
Based on these findings, the commission recommended the suspension of <PERSON> and “all other suspects connected to this case … pending the final outcome of the investigation.”
When Global Voices asked if the commission’s investigation into the king’s financial misdealing was a form of political prejudice, <PERSON> said this was a “false and mischievous accusation.” According to him, a few concerned individuals discovered the financial wrong-doing in Kano Palace and reported the king in 2017 — during that time, no hostility existed yet between the government and <PERSON>.
Twitter user <PERSON> disagrees:
If there is any take away from the Gov <PERSON> vs Emir <PERSON> drama and <PERSON> generously withdrawing corruption allegations against Goje is that this corruption ‘fight’ is only a pressure weapon against political opponents. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
— <PERSON> (@Moonchild509) June 8, 2019
Read more: Recent troubles rock the historical Kano Kingdom in northern Nigeria
Immunity for governors
Ironically, Governor <PERSON> himself is the subject of financial scandals, but Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution restrains the commission from investigating the governor.
Yet, video footage circulating online shows <PERSON> allegedly collecting a bribe from state contractors in 2018. <PERSON> adamantly denied it.
In the year of our Lord 2019, <PERSON> wants to probe Sanusi for allegations of corruption ???. Wonders shall never end!pic.twitter. 1017