Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Ibrahim Namadi, is facing serious allegations of corruption after reportedly accepting a $30,000 bribe to stand as surety for a well-known drug trafficking suspect, Sulaiman Danwawu.
According to a report by the State Security Service (SSS), Namadi facilitated Danwawu’s release by standing as his guarantor in a case involving serious drug-related offences, currently being heard at the Federal High Court in Kano (Charge No: FHC/KN/CR/93/2025).
The revelation has sparked outrage across the state, with many citizens questioning how a man with a tainted history—including a 2013 fraud charge and being once declared wanted by the Nigeria Police—was appointed to such a sensitive government position by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Sources within the SSS reportedly confirmed that the agency had conducted a covert investigation into the bribe-for-bail scandal and recommended Namadi’s removal from office. In response, Governor Yusuf has constituted a panel to probe the matter and submit its findings within one week.
Insiders say the governor was livid upon learning of Namadi’s involvement, especially given his administration’s aggressive stance against drug abuse and trafficking in Kano. “The commissioner’s action is seen as a betrayal of the state government’s anti-drug campaign,” one source stated.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Namadi has denied all wrongdoing, claiming he has no personal ties to Danwawu and is unaware of any bribery allegations.
However, SaharaReporters earlier revealed that Namadi not only stood as surety but also swore an affidavit to meet the court’s bail conditions, which included an ₦8 million bond.
The scandal has further exposed internal rifts within Kano’s political leadership. Reports indicate that Namadi’s appointment was initially resisted by Governor Yusuf but was eventually approved due to pressure from New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader and former governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
An insider said, “The governor’s hands are tied. Namadi was Kwankwaso’s nominee, and despite his checkered past, the governor couldn’t refuse him.”
Additional reports allege that Namadi has been involved in power struggles within the transport ministry, sidelining his permanent secretary, Abdulmumin Babani, and clashing with union leaders. His alleged imposition of a monthly ₦500,000 levy on the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has added to his growing list of controversies.
Sources also say the strained relationship between Namadi and the governor has crippled the Ministry of Transport, with over 30 official memos from the ministry reportedly left unapproved.
Despite mounting pressure, Namadi remains defiant. In a brief statement to SaharaReporters, he said, “I’m not aware of all the allegations you mentioned. It’s not true.”
As the panel’s investigation proceeds, all eyes are now on Governor Yusuf to see whether political loyalty will outweigh demands for accountability in the embattled commissioner’s case.
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