Kano assembly begins impeachment process against deputy gov over alleged ₦1.6bn fraud

The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.

The impeachment notice was presented during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action was taken in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Dala told lawmakers that the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current position as deputy governor.

According to him, the deputy governor allegedly participated in the diversion of funds meant for the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils during the period he oversaw the ministry.

The majority leader alleged that between June 2023 and January 2024, Abdussalam received a monthly kickback of ₦1.5 million from each of the 44 local government areas, amounting to ₦66 million monthly and ₦462 million over seven months.

He further claimed that between February and July 2024, the deputy governor collected additional payments from the councils under the guise of executing special assignments.

Dala said the payments allegedly amounted to ₦3.255 million monthly from each council, bringing the total to about ₦726 million within six months.

The lawmaker argued that the alleged payments constitute a breach of public trust and undermine the transparency and accountability expected of public officials.

The impeachment notice also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, alleging that he used his position as commissioner to facilitate ₦10 million payments from each of the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited.

According to Dala, the transaction, which allegedly totalled ₦440 million, violated the state’s procurement and fiscal management laws.

“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and is contrary to the obligations of public office,” the majority leader told the Assembly.

He added that the allegations amount to gross misconduct as defined under Section 188(2) of the Constitution.

Dala also informed the House that the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional requirement to initiate the process.
Following the presentation, members of the Assembly indicated their support for the motion, while the Speaker acknowledged receipt of the notice.

Under the Constitution, the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor and may subsequently ask the Chief Judge of Kano State to constitute an investigative panel if the motion secures the required legislative backing.

As of the time of filing this report, the deputy governor had not publicly responded to the allegations.