Emir Sanusi’s claim on N3.4 bn funds, a misrepresentation – Anti-graft Agency

The Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission
has described the claim by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu
Sanusi II, that he was not the accounting officer of the Kano
Emirate Council as a misrepresentation of facts.

This is contained in a preliminary report of the Commission on
the investigation being carried out in respect of the alleged
misappropriation of over N3.4 billion by the Kano Emirate
Council.

The report was signed by the commission’s Chairman, Mr Muhuyi
Magaji a copy of which was made available to News Agency of Nigeria
(NAN) in Kano on Thursday.

The report with reference number PCAC/GEN/6/VOL.I dated June 11,
2019 was addressed to the Secretary to the State Government.

Part of the report reads: “In furtherance to the Commission’s
earlier communication No. PCAC/GEN/6/V.I dated 31st May, 2019 on
the above subject matter and the unfolding events, the Commission
deemed it necessary to make some clarifications as follows:-

“It is imperative to state categorically that, the Commission’s
investigation is on alleged misappropriation and questionable
expenditures but not on the funds left behind by the Late Emir of
Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero and we still maintain our stance.

“In the cause of investigation, we undertook an analysis of the
main Account belonging to Kano Emirate Council and domicile at
First Bank with account No. 2005888452 starting from the era of the
Late Emir to enable the Commission have an idea of how the money is
being managed.”

According to the report, there were 783 activities bordering
on
withdrawals, transfers and placements from Jan. 2, 2013 to June 6,
2014 during the time of the late Emir.

“As from 2nd January 2013 to 13th April, 2017 the opening
balance is N432,338,412.98. Total credit made in the account during
this period was N6,784,146,335.73 while the total debit during the
period under review is N7,209,035,163.09.”

However, it added that, “The closing balance as at April, 2017
is N7,449,585.62.”

It further indicated that on Feb.13, 2014 and Feb. 26, 2014
payments were made to Philko Ltd, the company said to have
undertook the construction of Ado Bayero Royal City via Inter Bank
transfers of the sum of N776,159,519.50.

“There were transfers of N388,079,759.75, N338,079,759.75 and
N50,000,000.00 made on Feb. 13, 2014 and Feb. 26, 2014
respectively; making the total quoted figures for Philko Ltd.”

The report also alleged that during the period, fixed deposit
placements were made to the tune of N581,884,729.54 (placement and
rollovers) while net withdrawals on some engagements both cash and
withdrawal stood at N1,056,533,728.31.

“In summary, the total withdrawal made from the Account under
the Late Emir was N2,414,577,977.35, subtracting this amount from
total debit on the account which is N7,209,035,163.09.

“It is evidently clear that the current Emir is responsible for
the expenditures to the total sum of N4,794,457,185.74 from the
Emirate Council Account domicile in First Bank Plc,” it said.

Similarly, it alleged that all the expenditures made by the
Emirate Council were either based on the approval or instructions
of Emir Sanusi.

It attached copy of a payment voucher in respect of one of the
withdrawals to buttress its claim, which reads, “Being payment to
the above named in respect of making special prayers for peace as
directed by H.H. Emir of Kano respectively“.

“Therefore, any claim that the Emir is not the accounting
officer of the Kano Emirate Council is a deception and a
misrepresentation of facts.

“Specifically, the reason of our recommendation for the
suspension apart from obstruction of investigation which formed the
basis, investigation further reveals that Rufa’i Buhari (Senior
Accountant) usually made cash withdrawals directly from the account
and change it to Dollars on behalf of the Emir.

“Sometimes direct transfers from the account are made to a
Bureau De Change belonging to one Jazuli Sani who was said to have
died.

“The Commission still maintain the allegation on unappropriated,
seemingly personal expenditures, making the total sum of
questionable expenditures uncovered by this investigation to the
tune of N3,432,090,797.94 only”, the report added. (NAN).

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