Kano commissioner resigns as probe panel indicts him over bail of ‘drug baron’

Ibrahim Namadi, the commissioner for transportation in Kano, has resigned from his position.

Namadi quit his role hours after a probe panel indicted him of standing surety for Sulaiman Danwawu, an alleged drug baron, “without due diligence”.

Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, had constituted a panel to investigate Namadi’s involvement in the controversial bail of the suspected drug kingpin.

The panel’s report was presented to the governor on Tuesday at the government house in Kano.

Namadi said his decision to resign was driven by public interest.

‎“As a member of an administration that has consistently championed the fight against the sales and consumption of illicit drugs, it behoves me to take this step — painful as it may be,” the resignation letter reads.

‎”While I maintain my innocence, I cannot ignore the weight of public perception and the need to protect the values we have collectively built.

‎“I must, as a good citizen, strive to protect, preserve, and uphold the trust and vision we have worked so hard to instil in our dear state. I remain loyal to the ideals that brought this administration into office.”

THE PANEL’S REPORT

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sunusi Dawakin, Yusuf’s spokesperson, outlined the probe panel’s findings, stating that Namadi applied to serve as surety for the suspect on July 18.

The panel said Namadi swore an affidavit affirming his status as a serving commissioner and pledged to abide by all bail conditions until the trial concludes.

“He understood that only a serving Commissioner and member of the State Executive Council qualifies to stand surety under the court’s conditions,” the report reads.

The panel indicted Namadi for lack of due diligence, noting that he “did not exercise adequate caution before taking the decision to stand surety for a defendant facing serious narcotics charges”.

“The Committee found that he had both constructive and actual knowledge of the drug-related nature of the charges,” the report reads.

“He was aware that the Kano State Government has a firm stance against drug trafficking, abuse, youth criminality, and related vices.

‎”There was no evidence of any prior acquaintance between the Commissioner and the defendant.

“The Committee found no indication that financial benefit or other incentives influenced the Commissioner’s action.

“The Commissioner did not deposit any sum, including the reported N5,000,000, for the bail. That claim was solely based on the  defendant’s affidavit.”

‎The governor, while receiving the report, said his administration is committed to transparency, justice, and discipline in public service.

‎Yusuf added that the government remains resolute in its fight against drug-related crimes and all forms of social misconduct affecting Kano’s youth.