The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso over allegations of misappropriating N2.5 billion from the state’s pension funds.
Sources within the EFCC have confirmed that Kwankwaso has been summoned and interrogated in connection with these allegations. An insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “The commission has called in Kwankwaso regarding the alleged misappropriation of N2.5 billion from the Kano pension funds. He has already faced questioning and provided certain details to our investigators.”
Another source familiar with the matter added, “Kwankwaso has indeed been summoned by the EFCC, where he has undergone initial interrogation. The investigation is ongoing.”
When contacted for comments, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to provide any details on the matter.
The investigation into Kwankwaso is part of a broader effort by the EFCC to address pension fund misappropriations. In March 2023, The PUNCH reported that the EFCC’s Abuja Zonal Command had transferred ownership documents of properties and 324 houses to Kano State pensioners. This transfer followed a final forfeiture order issued by Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The properties, valued at N4.1 billion, were part of a housing project financed by the Kano State Pension Trust Fund, which had contributed N4.1 billion out of the total N41 billion required. The EFCC had acted on a petition from Concerned Kano State Workers and Pensioners, leading to an investigation that uncovered the misappropriation of pension funds. Their findings facilitated the recovery and eventual return of the properties to the pension fund trustees.
During the handover ceremony on March 18, 2024, EFCC’s Abuja Zonal Commander, Adeniyi Adebayo, emphasized the commission’s commitment to eradicating fraud, stating, “We are committed to ensuring that funds meant for the welfare of pensioners are protected and used for their intended purposes.”
This investigation into Kwankwaso underscores the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability in the management of public funds.